Trump’s Gaza Grab | Between the Lines
The Wrap with Amy Remeikis On September 30, 1938 British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain stood outside 10 Downing Street and declared the Munich Agreement had appeased German Chancellor Adolf Hitler’s territorial aims. “I believe it is peace for our time,” he said. “…Go home and get a nice quiet sleep.” Germany violated the agreement almost immediately.
Hands off our elections
Australia needs an electoral system that’s genuinely fair, not a two-tiered system that favours the major parties.
Manifest destiny
We discuss US tariffs against its three largest trading partners, the political battle over who gets to be American, and Trump’s imperial ambitions.
Legislation requiring real-time disclosure of political donations could pass this week
The Australia Institute is calling for transparency and real-time disclosure of political donations ahead of the Australian Electoral Commission’s annual release of political contributions data for 2023-24.
January 2025
The circular economy of bad ideas
Slashing public service jobs won’t make government more efficient.
Flooding the zone | After America x Follow the Money
President Donald Trump has been issuing Executive Orders and dominating the media cycle, trying to radically reshape America and the world in the process.
Unfinished business for Australia’s corruption watchdog
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is the independent body that detects, investigates and reports on serious or systemic corruption in the Australian Government. Four reforms would increase confidence in the NACC and help it expose corruption.
“That’s cooked”: welcome to 2025
Richard Denniss joins the show to discuss Trump’s inauguration and the upcoming federal election.
Victim-in-chief
The second Trump era has begun.
The Election at the End of the World
In the wake of the catastrophic LA fires, how do the Australian major parties shape up on climate policy?
Bad cop with Lech Blaine | Summer Book Club
Award-winning writer Lech Blaine traces the making of Peter Dutton – from Queensland detective to leader of the Opposition.
December 2024
Minority report with George Megalogenis | Summer Book Club
Australia’s status quo political culture is under pressure – so what does this mean for the upcoming federal election?
Is it any wonder we’re so distrustful of politicians?
The Albanese government’s attempt to rush through major changes to Australian elections has been delayed in the Senate – at least until February, perhaps forever. As Australia Institute research identified serious flaws, risks and loopholes in the legislation, delay is welcome – but bittersweet, because electoral reform is needed to increase confidence in politics and democracy. Good
Opaque, powerful and cashed-up – time to clean up the murky world of industry lobby groups
Companies are funding political parties and political campaigns through well-resourced lobby groups. But this spending may not be in shareholders’ – or the public’s – best interests, according to new research by The Australia Institute.
Truth in political advertising laws
In most of Australia it is perfectly legal to lie in political advertising. Unlike commercial advertising laws, Australia’s political advertising laws do not prohibit misleading or deceptive claims.
Corporate profits increase inflation
The prices of many goods and services have increased dramatically across Australia since 2021. This has resulted in hardship for many households—along with $100 billion in increased profits for major companies. These corporate profits have been a key factor driving inflation.
Australia’s traffic fine system is unfair – is it time to implement proportional fines?
How is Australia’s system unfair? If you get caught speeding in Australia, you will be fined with a flat-rate traffic fine. Exceeding the speed limit by 12km/h in New South Wales earns you a $361 fine, whether you are on government benefits or a billionaire. This is not a fair system. What about the principle:
Kissing the ring
Don Watson joins us to discuss Trump’s beyond-bizarre cabinet selections, Joe Biden’s tainted legacy, and what this might all mean for Australia on the final episode of After America for 2024.
There is no such thing as a safe seat
A notable trend in Australian politics has been the decline of the share of the vote won by both major parties at federal elections. There are no longer any safe seats in Australian politics: minor parties and independents win more “safe” seats than they do “marginal” ones.
Australians urged to support Minister to keep her promise on “no more extinctions”
The Australia Institute has launched a petition encouraging Australians to support Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to keep her promise of no more animal extinctions under her watch.
What’s the point of Australia?
Amy Remeikis joins us to reflect on Anthony Albanese’s turbulent year as Prime Minister and preview the federal election campaign.
If MPs want more public money, they should do their jobs first
‘Tis the season for poor process, rushed law-making and railroaded parliaments. With the end of the year rapidly approaching, governments have lost patience for democratic niceties like consultation, parliamentary reviews and public hearings.
Return to Trumpland with Zoe Daniel
Zoe Daniel MP joins us to discuss the MAGA loyalists Trump is tapping for senior roles and how Australia can deal with the President-elect.
Tasmanian MPs rate of pay
Tasmanian MPs have not had a pay increase since 2018.
An Australian whistleblower rewards scheme could reduce white-collar crime while raising billions in revenue
It is not often we can look to America for good public policy – but they have one good idea about helping encourage corporate whistleblowers while also raising revenue.
November 2024
Electoral reform impasse provides opportunity for real scrutiny – which voters demand
The breakdown in talks between the government and Coalition over major changes to Australia’s electoral laws provides the perfect opportunity for further scrutiny of the proposed changes.
The major party stitch-up with Helen Haines
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.
South Australian electoral experiment deserves much closer scrutiny
With the South Australian House of Assembly considering dramatic changes to electoral law this week, The Australia Institute warns the process has been rushed and the legislation is compromised and unfair.
The worm kingdom
We discuss brainworms, Elon’s new gig, and why it’s a really bad idea to micro-dose E. coli.
Eight things you need to know about the Government’s plan to change Australian elections
And eight ideas to improve it
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