Podcasts
The economy (it still exists)
For housing affordability to improve, wages must grow faster than house prices.
“Don’t waste it”: Labor’s historic policy opportunity
With the influence of the right-wing media waning, the Labor Government can use its massive majority to pursue big reforms.
Oligarchy or democracy?
The Trump administration is orchestrating a colossal transfer of wealth and power to the very rich.
A rich country in a housing crisis?
To end the housing crisis, governments need to stop subsidising private investors and instead directly invest in social housing.
If not now, when?
After the election, the re-elected Labor Government has an extraordinary opportunity to make big structural changes to the economy.
A chance to be brave: understanding Australia’s election result
With the influence of its historical opponents waning, is anything standing in the way of the Labor Government passing ambitious reforms?
The Trump effect
How big a role did Trump play in Australia’s remarkable federal election result?
We need political courage, not caution
When it comes to solving the biggest national problems, a bit of courage leaves political caution for dead. Now’s not the time for politeness.
Your election questions answered
We discuss the latest inflation data and answer your questions about the economy ahead of election day.
April 2025
Could the polls be wrong?
The polls are pointing to a likely Labor victory on Saturday, but could Dutton’s suburban strategy still bear fruit?
Yes, Australia can curb fossil fuel exports
We have restricted export industries in the past.
TRAILER | Introducing What’s the Big Idea? with Paul Barclay
There is no shortage of solutions for the biggest problems Australia faces — only a shortage of bravery to implement them.
Boys will be boys
The white men in the White House are trying to radically reshape modern America.
Defence: too much is never enough
For all the talk of defence spending in the election campaign, much of what Australians hold dear is being left behind.
Trump and the Australian election
The United States is disappearing down an authoritarian rabbit hole and Australian leaders are struggling to respond.
Crushing the Australian (and Elinor’s) dream
A number of the housing policy proposals on offer in this election will make affordability worse.
The cruel housing hoax
Amy Remeikis and Bill Browne discuss the federal election campaign so far, the performance of the media, and how preferential voting actually works.
Golfing while Rome burns
However well the 47th president hit ‘em in Florida, he cannot find a green with his tariffs.
Actually though, what the hell is going on in the economy?
It’s chaos out there.
Big gas is taking the piss
Peter Dutton has it half right on gas. There is no supply shortage, but Australians need to be using less gas – not more.
Bully’s gonna bully
The Australian defence and foreign policy establishment is trying to continue with alliance-as-usual with America, but Trump will always put Australia’s interests second.
Trump’s tariffs won’t wreck Australia’s economy. But America’s could be cooked.
Americans are going to bear the brunt of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs.
Home economics: housing, living standards and the federal election
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.
No joke
The Trump administration’s approach to the world can be summed up in three emojis: fist, American flag, fire. The president, meanwhile, is busy “not joking” about staying in office for an unconstitutional third term.
March 2025
A Budget that does no harm (sort of)
This “wimpy” budget tells us one thing: the election campaign is here.
We don’t need no Education
Trump has signed an Executive Order that seeks to dismantle the Federal Department of Education – but can he actually do it?
Don’t gut our environment laws
The Government’s proposed environmental law changes are an attack on our democracy and could benefit destructive industries far beyond Tasmania’s coastal ecosystems.
Greg’s budget wishlist
The Australian Government can’t afford to do everything, but it can afford to do anything it wants.
Dog acts
The will-he-or-won’t-he game over Trump’s steel and alumnium tariffs is over. Turns out he will – despite the apparent offerings of the Australian Government.
Fish out of water
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?
General Enquiries
Emily Bird Office Manager
mail@australiainstitute.org.au
Media Enquiries
Glenn Connley Senior Media Advisor