Summer Special | Did the US play a role in the Whitlam dismissal? (00:19:26)
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.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our shared humanity (00:01:23)
If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via their website, www.lifeline.org.au.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Look after yourselves and each other (00:01:13)
If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via their website, www.lifeline.org.au.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's a time for bravery (00:31:53)
Big economic reform probably isn’t as hard as governments think. On the final episode of Dollars & Sense for 2025, Greg and Elinor discuss why it’s a time for bravery in our economic policy-making and whether rate hikes are on the way in 2026. This discussion was recorded 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’ to get $5 off. Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek Show notes: No wonder Michele Bullock’s dramatic departure from the RBA’s interest rate script left markets swinging wildly by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (December 2025) Gough dreamed of a country that never was, and asked why not? by Greg Jericho, The Point (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.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will Canada follow Australia’s disastrous path on gas? (00:32:12)
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.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Maximum lethality”: the US military under the Trump administration (00:31:57)
Defense Secretary Hegseth doesn’t want the US military to fight with “stupid rules of engagement”. On this episode of After America, Allan Behm and Angus Blackman discuss the American ‘double-tap’ strike on an alleged drug boat, Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal to share sensitive military information, and why Trump spent a night posting 160 times on Truth Social. This discussion was recorded on Friday 5 December 2025. A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ to get $5 off. Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now. Guest: Allan Behm, Advisor, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @AngusRB Show notes: War Crimes: Where do Responsibility and Accountability Start and End? By Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (May 2025) What legal experts say about second US strike on Venezuela boat by Lucy Gelder, BBC (December 2025) Pentagon Report: Hegseth Risked Endangering Troops With Signal Messages, The Atlantic (December 2025) Trump’s night of 160 posts on Truth Social fuels debate about US president’s stamina by Richard Luscombe, The Guardian (December 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 Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is this growth...good?! (00:32:57)
Rooftop solar and data centres are drivers of Australia’s economic growth, but do they really bring the same value to Australian society? On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Angus discuss why the devil is in the detail of the latest economic growth figures and how the Victoria has led the other states on housing affordability. This discussion was recorded on Thursday 4 December. A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ to get $5 off. Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now. Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @AngusRB Show notes: There are two big drivers of Australia’s economic growth – but shape matters as much as size by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (December 2025) Weaker-than-expected GDP should end talk of budget cuts and rate hikes by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (December 2025) House prices rise but Melbourne shows a way to improve affordability by Greg Jericho, The Point (December 2025) Trump’s shutdown power play, After America, The Australia Institute (October 2025) Financial regulatory framework and home ownership by Matt Grudnoff and Greg Jericho, 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 Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highway to hell? Reversing the decline of Australian music (00:35:26)
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 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 Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The nuclear option (00:33:47)
Trump’s statements about resuming American nuclear testing left administration officials scrambling. On this episode of After America, Dr Ruth Mitchell, neurosurgeon and Nobel Prize winner with the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the 80th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Trump’s nuclear testing claims, American healthcare under RFK Jr.’s leadership, and the misogyny at the heart of key US institutions. This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 19 November 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. A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘SAVE5’ to get $5 off. Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now. Guest: Ruth Mitchell, Chair, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War // @drruthmitchell Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Show notes: Medicine price comparison between Australia and the United States by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (April 2025) While the rest of the world rushes to hire US scientists that Trump has cut, Australia follows in his footsteps by Tegan George, The Point (November 2025) Man collapses behind Donald Trump during White House announcement by Richard Wood, 9 News (November 2025) As Summers Sought Clandestine Relationship With Woman He Called a Mentee, Epstein Was His ‘Wing Man’ by Dhuruv T Patel and Cam N Srivastava, The Harvard Crimson (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.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This inequality isn't inevitable (00:28:38)
By offering generous tax concessions to property investors and making it nearly impossible to live on JobSeeker, Australian governments have being making inequality worse. On this special episode of Dollars & Sense, we discuss the cost of growing inequality with Dr Cassandra Goldie AO, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), Kasy Chambers, Executive Director of Anglicare Australia, and Dr Mark Zirnsak, Secretariat of the Tax Justice Network Australia. This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 29 October 2025 at the Australia Institute’s Revenue Summit at Parliament House in Canberra. A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘SAVE5’ to get $5 off. Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now. Guest: Cassandra Goldie, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Council of Social Service // @cassandragoldie Guest: Kasy Chambers, Executive Director, Anglicare Australia // @ChambersKasy Guest: Mark Zirnsak, Secretariat, Tax Justice Network Australia Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Chief, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut Show notes: Revenue Summit playlist, The Australia Institute on YouTube (November 2025) Wealth inequality by asset types. What’s driving wealth inequality? by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (February 2025) Poverty in Australia 2025: Overview by Peter Davidson and Bruce Bradbury, ACOSS and UNSW Sydney 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 Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What have the scientists ever done for us? (00:26:07)
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 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 Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did the US play a role in the Whitlam dismissal? (00:17:50)
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 After America, we explore 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. A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘SAVE5’ to get $5 off. Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now. 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 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.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The gas industry’s “huge con” (00:30:18)
By taxing Australian resources more effectively, we could not only have a greener economy – but a fairer one as well. On this special episode of Dollars & Sense, Liam O’Brien from the Australian Council of Trade Unions and Dr Ingrid Burfurd from The Superpower Institute join Dr Richard Denniss to discuss taxing the gas industry more effectively. This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 29 October 2025 at the Australia Institute’s Revenue Summit at Parliament House in Canberra. A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘SAVE5’ to get $5 off. Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now. Guest: Liam O’Brien, Assistant Secretary, Australian Council of Trade Unions // @lbobrien Guest: Ingrid Burfurd, Carbon Pricing and Policy Lead, The Superpower Institute Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Chief, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut Show notes: Revenue Summit playlist, The Australia Institute on YouTube (November 2025) Australia Last: The failure of Australian gas policy by Matthew Saunders and Richard Denniss, The Australia Institute (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.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mike Rann: how Albanese can leave a brave climate legacy (00:33:51)
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 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 Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Anti-achievement" Democrats let pressure off Trump (00:34:35)
By negotiating an end to the government shutdown without getting anything much in return, some Democrats have gone back to their old trick of resisting the President by giving him exactly what he needs. On this episode of After America, Crikey’s Charlie Lewis joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss Congress’ failure to extend life-saving health insurance tax credits, Trump’s inability to make the Epstein files go away, and whether there is evidence of US involvement in the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. This discussion was recorded on Friday 14 November. Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is available now via Australia Institute Press. Guest: Charlie Lewis, Reporter-at-large, Crikey // @theshufflediary Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Show notes: Shorter America: Opposing Trump, trouble in paradise, the American elite by Emma Shortis, The Point (November 2025) The Democrats were winning the shutdown. So naturally, they caved by Charlie Lewis, Crikey (November 2025) 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.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How bad policy created a housing crisis (00:29:38)
The capital gains tax concession and negative gearing have worked together to make housing less affordable and exacerbate inequality. Tax doesn’t just affect markets, it shapes society. On housing, excessive tax concessions have driven up prices, concentrated wealth and locked many of the market. On this special episode, Maiy Azize from Everybody’s Home, Josie Lee from Oxfam Australia, and housing advocate Jordan van den Lamb join Amy Remeikis to discuss how bad policy created a housing crisis. This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 29 October 2025 at the Australia Institute’s Revenue Summit at Parliament House in Canberra. Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is available now via Australia Institute Press. Subscribe now for updates from the Australia Institute. Guest: Maiy Azize, National Spokesperson, Everybody’s Home Guest: Josie Lee, Policy and Advocacy Lead, Oxfam Australia Guest: Jordan van den Lamb, Housing Advocate // @purplepingers Host: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut Show notes: One way to improve the “dumpster fire of dumb stuff” which is Australia’s housing policy by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (May 2025) Macro reforms for housing affordability by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (May 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) Three ways Australia can tax wealth better by Matt Grudnoff and Dave Richardson, the Australia Institute (August 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 Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Defending nature with Bob Brown (00:39:13)
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.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Democrats sweep to victory after shutdown becomes longest ever (00:28:46)
In New York City, California, New Jersey and Virginia, American voters sent Trump and Republicans a clear message. On this episode of After America, Dr Emma Shortis joins Angus Blackman to discuss the results of last week’s sweeping election victories. They discuss what it all means for the Democratic Party, how the MAGA-verse is responding, and the impact of the longest federal government shutdown in American history. This discussion was recorded on Monday 10 November. Follow Emma’s work at The Point, where she publishes a column on the week in American politics every Monday. Join Emma and Don Watson in conversation in Carlton on Saturday 15 November. Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @AngusRB Show notes: Democrats' 2025 election wins go beyond big races to places like Georgia, Pennsylvania by Stephen Fowler, NPR (November 2025) Dems Won. Cue the Far-Right Crash-Out by Kiera Butler, Mother Jones (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.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inflation beats employment by the length of the straight (sigh) (00:29:26)
On our 100th episode of Dollars & Sense, we discuss why the Reserve Bank always seems to prioritise inflation over employment in its interest rate discussions. Greg and Elinor discuss the Reserve Bank’s predictable rates decision, Microsoft’s decision to refund some customers after pressure from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, and whether Australia’s tobacco excise has become self-defeating. Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is available now via Australia Institute Press. This discussion was recorded on Thursday 6 November 2025. Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek Show notes: The RBA predicts inflation will rise faster than wages. Let’s hope it’s wrong by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (November 2025) Explainer: Illegal smoking police raids are being done to raise tax by Greg Jericho, The Point Live (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.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A broken university system is letting Australia down (00:32:36)
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 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 Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Everything is uncertain": Trump-Xi meeting leaves the world on edge (00:38:55)
Trump and Xi may have come to a “deal”, but their meeting was a wasted opportunity. Plus: what do Australians think about our relationship with the US? On this episode of After America, Dr Emma Shortis joins Angus Blackman to discuss some new Australia Institute polling, which shows that Australians are less than convinced that we “share values” with Trump’s America. Emma is then joined by Dr Frank Yuan and Allan Behm to discuss Trump’s meeting with Xi and the chaos whirling around the president. The first part of this discussion was recorded on Friday 31st October. The second part was recorded on Monday 3rd November. Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via Australia Institute Press. Guest: Allan Behm, Special Advisor in International Affairs, the Australia Institute Guest: Dr Frank Yuan, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The Australia Institute // @yuan-frank Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @AngusRB Show notes: How China Sees the South China Sea: Beijing’s policy and interests in the South China Sea disputes by Frank Yuan, Allan Behm and Rod Campbell, The Australia Institute (October 2025) What you need to know about the next Trump/Xi meeting by Emma Shortis, The Point (October 2025) American exceptionalism: the poison that cannot protect its children from violent death by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (May 2022) 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 Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reddit to the rescue: watchdog sues Microsoft after AI price-hike complaints (00:29:45)
Plenty of big tech companies are losing money on their artificial intelligence investments, begging the question: do people actually want the products? On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the “shock” inflation figures, what energy subsidies have to do with the larger-than-expected increase, and why the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) is suing Microsoft. Pre-order Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by George Williams via Australia Institute Press. The Point, an initiative of the Australia Institute, is live now. This discussion was recorded on Thursday 30 October 2025. Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek Show notes: So it’s goodbye to lower interest rates – to be honest, the RBA was always looking for an excuse not to cut by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (October 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 Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mates’ rates and why Australia can’t have nice things (00:24:13)
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 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 Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trust Trump to be Trump (00:32:25)
You may not be able to take the ‘president of peace’ at his word, but you can trust Trump to have his own interests in mind. On this episode of After America, Matt Duss joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss Trump’s deployment of troops in the domestic United States, the administration’s attacks on Venezuela, negotiations over Gaza and Ukraine, and what it really means when the President makes a promise. This discussion was recorded on Friday 24 October 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 now via Australia Institute Press. Guest: Matt Duss, Executive Vice President, Center for International Policy // @mattduss Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Show notes: Trump’s tragedy: the US becomes an autocracy and the presidency, a dictatorship by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 2025) Beyond the Two-State Solution: Policy responses to the Destruction of Palestine and the Insecurity of Israel, 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.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How gold became a memecoin (00:28:05)
People have been queuing for gold and it's giving toilet paper in 2020. On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the critical minerals agreement struck between the Australian and American governments, Andrew Leigh’s new anti-price gouging legislation, and why Aussies have been lining up for gold. Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website. This discussion was recorded on Thursday 23 October 2025. Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek Show notes: Australia’s surprise unemployment spike suggests an economy not overheating but in need of stimulus by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (October 2025) Coles, Woolies’ Secret Pricing Deal Undercuts Inflation Claims, the Australia Institute (September 2024) ACCC Suing Supermarkets as Price Gouging Drives Inflation, Rate Hikes, the Australia Institute (September 2024) Giving our consumer watchdog more teeth to tackle companies gouging shoppers, 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.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
