Australia Matters
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- "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. 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.
- Albanese visits Trump as US democracy circles a golden drain (00:33:59)
Anthony Albanese’s meeting with Donald Trump was relatively drama-free, but the devil is in the detail when it comes to the president’s ‘commitments’ on AUKUS and critical minerals. On this crossover episode of Follow the Money and After America, Dr Emma Shortis and Ebony Bennett discuss why Australia is still unlikely to receive any Virginia-class submarines, why the “shared values” that supposedly underpin the Australia-US alliance are looking increasingly shaky, and Trump’s bizarre AI video showing himself dropping excrement on protesters. You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS. After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis is available via Australia Institute Press. Guest: Emma Shortis, Director of International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett Show notes: Can Albanese claim ‘success’ with Trump? Beyond the banter, the vague commitments should be viewed with scepticism by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 2025) Albanese hints US could still seek changes to Aukus agreement amid review by Josh Butler, Guardian Australia (October 2025) Trump’s shutdown power play, After America, the Australia Institute (October 2025) Trump’s tragedy: the US becomes an autocracy and the presidency, a dictatorship by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 2025) Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions 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.
- No peace without accountability: Sydney Peace Laureate Navi Pillay (00:35:20)
Donald Trump may have declared the war on Gaza over, but a welcome-but-shaky ceasefire and lasting peace are not the same thing. On this episode of After America, Judge Navi Pillay, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and 2025 Sydney Peace Prize Laureate, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss accountability in international law and the prerequisites for genuine peace. This discussion was recorded on Monday 13 October 2025. Details of Judge Navi Pillay’s Australian events are available on the Sydney Peace Foundation website. Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via Australia Institute Press. Guest: Navi Pillay, Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Council Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Show notes: Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip, UN Commission finds, Office of the High Commissioner, United Nations Human Rights (September 2025) Summary of ICJ’s Order of 24 May 2024, United Nations (May 2024) 2025 Peace Prize Citation: Navi Pillay, Sydney Peace Foundation (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.
- Pots and kettles: Trump trades barbs with China over trade (00:33:05)
The global economic outlook is “dim” according to a new report, driven by uncertainty over Trump’s economic and trade policies. On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the latest World Economic Outlook from the International Monetary Fund, the latest trade spat between the United States and China, why fewer Australians are travelling to America, and the Australian Government’s backdown over superannuation. Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website. This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 15 October 2025. Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek Show notes: The IMF reckons the global economy remains ‘in flux’, but the Trump effect is real – and Australians aren’t fooled by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (October 2025) Global Economy in Flux, Prospects Remain Dim, World Economic Outlook, International Monetary Fund (October 2025) US International Inbound Travel Remains Weak for 2025, Tourism Economics (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.
- Fixing Australia's "arse-backwards" environment laws (00:24:02)
Environment laws that don’t stop new gas and coal are like putting screen doors on a submarine. On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Ebony Bennett discuss the Federal Government’s efforts to push through changes to Australia’s busted environment laws with the support of the Coalition. Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via Australia Institute Press. Guest: Leanne Minshull, co-CEO, the Australia Institute // @leanneminshull Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett Show notes: This shocking deal is a gross betrayal of millions of voters by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (October 2025) Top Australian scientists unite in defence of science on Maugean skate, the Australia Institute No delay, no excuses, no carbon offsets: Submission to the NSW Koala Strategy Review by Adam Gottschalk and Polly Hemming, the Australia Institute (May 2024) Save Tuvalu, Save the World, the Australia Institute 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.
- Trump’s shutdown power play (00:33:37)
As Trump and his officials look at invoking the Insurrection Act, the administration is using the ongoing government shutdown to lay off workers and consolidate power. On this episode of After America, Elizabeth Pancotti, economic policy specialist and former advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the US government shutdown and how the Trump administration is using it to further consolidate power. This discussion was recorded on Friday 10 October 2025. Tickets for America Unravelling, featuring Emma Shortis and Don Watson, on Sunday 19 October at the Queenscliffe Literary Festival are available online. Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via Australia Institute Press. Guest: Elizabeth Pancotti, Managing Director of Policy and Advocacy, Groundwork Collaborative // @ENPancotti Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Show notes: Trump administration officials seriously discussing invoking Insurrection Act, sources say, NBC News (October 2025) Our PBS is a national treasure, not an international trade barrier, the Australia Institute (April 2025) American Consumers Sour on Trump’s Economy as Health Care Costs Climb, Groundwork Collaborative (October 2025) An Economy on Ice as Americans Prepare for a Health Care Price Fright, Groundwork Collaborative (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.
- Housing affordability to get worse as big corporates do annual tax magic (00:31:58)
Renting a place to live is getting more expensive and house price rises are tipped to accelerate. On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss housing affordability, how so many of Australia’s biggest companies manage to pay zero (0) corporate tax, and how Trump made solving the tax problem that much harder. Use the code ‘podcast’ to get 50% off tickets to the Australia Institute’s Revenue Summit. Discount available for Dollars & Sense listeners while stocks last. 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 9 October 2025. Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek Show notes: If we want a better, more equal society, we need more tax. But more tax only works if big business pays their fair share by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (October 2025) Australia is a rich country that taxes like a poor one, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (October 2025) Rental growth re-accelerates amid tightest vacancy rate on record, Cotality (October 2025) WESTPAC-MI CONSUMER SENTIMENT BULLETIN (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.
- Australia is a rich country that taxes like a poor one (00:25:12)
If Australia just collected the OECD average in tax, the government would have an extra $130 billion a year to spend on essential services like health and education. On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff and Ebony Bennett discuss the latest data from the Australian Taxation Office showing that 30 per cent of large corporations paid no company tax in 2023-24 – with the gas, coal, salmon and tech industries among the worst offenders. Use the code ‘podcast’ to get 50% off tickets to the Australia Institute’s Revenue Summit. Discount available for Follow the Money listeners while stocks last. Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett Show notes: New government data confirms gas exporters continue to pay no tax, the Australia Institute (October 2025) Big gas is taking the piss, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (April 2025) Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Trump's plan no path to lasting peace (00:33:54)
After several failed attempts at brokering a ceasefire, President Donald Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced a 20-point peace plan for Gaza. On this episode of After America, Antoun Issa joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the prospects for a deal that did not include Palestinians in the negotiating process. They also discuss the role of the United States in the Middle East, how power works in foreign policy, and opening up space for a bigger discussion about foreign policy here in Australia. This episode was recorded on Friday 3 October. Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via Australia Institute Press. Guest: Antoun Issa, Founder, DeepCut // @antounissa Host: Emma Shortis, Director of International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Show notes: Beyond the Two-State Solution: Policy responses to the Destruction of Palestine and the Insecurity of Israel, the Australia Institute (February 2025) Australians overwhelmingly back sanctions on Israel, new poll finds by Alex McKinnon, DeepCut (October 2025) Tony Blair Should Be on Trial for War Crimes, Not Running Gaza by Mehdi Hasan, Zeteo (October 2025) Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip, UN Commission finds, United Nations Commission for Human Rights (September 2025) Skewering History: the odious politics of counting Gaza’s dead by Richard Hil and Gideon Polya, Arena (July 2025) The Aspiring Novelist Who Became Obama’s Foreign-Policy Guru: How Ben Rhodes rewrote the rules of diplomacy for the digital age by David Samuels, New York Times Magazine (May 2016) 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 housing market just got more cooked (00:31:46)
The federal government’s policy enabling five per cent house deposits is just a backdoor first homebuyer’s grant that’ll pump up prices. On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss whether Emirati supermarket chain Lulu will take on Colesworth, the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep rates on hold, Trump’s unworkable tariffs on foreign films, and how the government could actually address the housing crisis. Use the code ‘podcast’ to get 50% off tickets to the Australia Institute’s Revenue Summit. Featuring Hon Steven Miles MP, Senator Larissa Waters, Senator David Pocock, Dr Kate Chaney MP, Greg Jericho and more, the Summit is on Wednesday 29 October at Parliament House in Canberra. Discount available for Dollars & Sense listeners while stocks last. 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 2 October 2025. Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek Show notes: Save Tuvalu, Save the World, the Australia Institute on YouTube (September 2025) The RBA seems unlikely to do another rate cut – meaning they’re betting the economy is better than the data says by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (September 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 Australia step up on the global stage? (00:33:47)
With the international order changing rapidly, there’s never been a more important time for effective Australian diplomacy. On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis and Glenn Connley discuss Anthony Albanese’s major diplomatic tour, the US Defense Secretary’s concerning warning to his top brass, and why the Trump-Netanyahu peace plan seems “doomed to fail”. You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS. After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis is available via Australia Institute Press. Guest: Emma Shortis, Director of International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley Show notes: After America, the Australia Institute Australia’s failure of diplomacy in PNG shows we can’t – and won’t – understand our Pacific neighbours by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (September 2025) Is Australia REALLY choosing to help our Pacific neighbours? The Australia Institute on YouTube (August 2025) 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.
- Our mate Donald (00:32:23)
As Trump takes a sledgehammer to American democracy, Australia’s leader snagged a selfie – and a one-on-one meeting in October. How that will go is anyone’s guess. On this episode of After America, Charlie Lewis joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the apparent obsession of Anthony Albanese’s opponents with that bilateral meeting, the transformation of the Republican Party under Trump, and how Australia’s political landscape is being influenced by MAGA. This episode was recorded on Thursday 25 September. Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website. Guest: Charlie Lewis, reporter-at-large, Crikey // @theshufflediary Host: Emma Shortis, Director of International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Show notes: Welcome to the new McCarthyism by Charlie Lewis, Crikey (September 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 ScoMo stuffed the GST (00:29:24)
Scott Morrison’s GST deal with Western Australia stuffed the system, but there are plenty of ways the Government could make it better. On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss Jim Chalmers vs red tape, what the latest inflation data could mean for the November rates decision, and how governments could ensure GST revenues keep up with economic growth. Tickets for our Revenue Summit at Parliament House in Canberra, featuring Hon Steven Miles MP, Senator Larissa Waters, Senator David Pocock, Dr Kate Chaney MP, Greg Jericho and more – are available now. You can buy second release tickets for just $109 via our website. 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 25 September 2025. Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek Show notes: Australia, along with other OECD countries, is mired in mediocrity – and the RBA seems intent on keeping us there by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (September 2025) If the GST worked properly, it would pay for Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects – new analysis, the Australia Institute (September 2025) The huge cost to state budgets of failing GST, the Australia Institute (July 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.
- Government still ignoring climate reality (00:34:51)
One and a half million Australians could be at risk from rising sea levels, yet the Government continues to approve new climate destroying fossil fuel projects. On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the National Climate Risk Assessment, the Government’s new emissions reduction targets, and its disastrous decision to approve the North West Shelf gas expansion. Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website. Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett Show notes: Labor’s 62 to 70% climate target does not align with the science, but can be met by phasing out fossil fuels, the Australia Institute (September 2025) Devastating climate risk assessment shows fossil fuel exports must end, the Australia Institute (September 2025) North West Shelf final approval a climate, economic and energy security disaster, the Australia Institute (September 2025) Anote Tong & Dr Monique Ryan MP | Melbourne, the Australia Institute on YouTube (March 2024) Albanese takes his usual each-way bet on climate change by Ross Gittens (September 2025) 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.
- MAGA deifies Kirk as Australia recognises Palestine (00:34:48)
After a rocky week for Australian diplomacy, Prime Minister Albanese is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly...and maybe, just maybe, a meeting with President Trump. On this episode of After America, Allan Behm joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the MAGA movement’s weaponisation of Charlie Kirk’s murder, why no Trump meeting might be the best outcome for Anthony Albanese, formal recognition of Palestine, and Australia’s disastrous fortnight of Pacific diplomacy. This episode was recorded on Monday 22 September. ‘Save Tuvalu, Save the World’ is our September Politics in the Pub – join us at 6.30pm on Wednesday 24 September live in Canberra or via the livestream. Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website. Guest: Allan Behm, Special Advisor in International Affairs, the Australia Institute Host: Emma Shortis, Director of International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Show notes: Jimmy Kimmel’s cancellation is the latest sign we’re witnessing the end of US democracy by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (September 2025) Australia’s failure of diplomacy in PNG shows we can’t – and won’t – understand our Pacific neighbours by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (September 2025) Anote Tong & Dr Monique Ryan MP | Melbourne, the Australia Institute on YouTube (March 2024) Rt Hon Enele Sopoaga PC - Keynote | Climate Integrity Summit 2024, The Australia Institute on YouTube (March 2024) Is Australia REALLY choosing to help our Pacific neighbours? The Australia Institute on YouTube (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.