Podcasts
The rich cry poor; the media laps it up
The debate over superannuation tax concessions shows that the wealthiest Australians get to play by different rules.
All the way with the USA?
Despite demands from the hawks that the Australia Government fall in line with the United States over Iran, it’s not inevitable that Australia supports illegal American military intervention.
Why did Trump join the Israel-Iran war?
It’s never about regime change (until it is).
Can you put a price on nature?
Nature is priceless. It’s Monty Pythonesque to think that pricing nature will stop extinctions or protect the planet.
The rich are getting richer
Australia’s overly generous approach to taxing wealth is allowing the richest Australians to keep more for themselves.
Australia doesn’t need AUKUS
By reviewing the deal, Trump has given the Australian Government an opportunity to get out of the disastrous AUKUS agreement.
“Mugged by reality”: Australia’s AUKUS disaster with Malcolm Turnbull
Australia traded sovereignty for security with the AUKUS submarine deal, but it might end up with neither.
Safe to speak: protecting the whistleblower
For most would-be whistleblowers, the cost of courage is way too high. A whistleblower protection authority would ease their path.
Greg’s productivity wishlist
The Albanese Government has made improving productivity central to its second term agenda, but how can it make a difference without throwing workers under the bus?
Now is the time for brave reform
A housing crisis, accelerating climate change and widening inequality all confront the re-elected Albanese Government, but the solutions exist (and often aren’t that complicated).
Trump-Musk meltdown & the administration’s ‘crystal ball’
Musk may be out, but the influence of the tech bros has never been greater.
One vote. One value.
Australians know how to solve national problems, but our political system protects the duopoly that creates them. That’s why we need proportional representation.
Why Australia’s economic growth is “pathetic”
The latest data shows that economy is really struggling and the Reserve Bank got it wrong (again). Plus: TACO corner.
Profit vs priceless heritage: the fight to save Murujuga
The Murujuga site in north-western Australia is potentially the most important rock art site in the world, but it’s being destroyed by rampant industrial development.
The golden age
Trump promised a golden age for the US economy – and now a golden dome to protect the continent.
Protecting your ABC
The ABC is always under attack. The best thing we can do for democracy is defend it.
May 2025
Rates are down (Elinor still can’t afford a house)
Rate cuts are great, but the Government needs to make sure that housing investors aren’t the main beneficiaries.
Super hysterical: the ludicrous beat-up over superannuation tax changes
Superannuation is meant to help all Australians have a comfortable retirement, not help the very wealthiest pay less tax.
Another Oval Office ambush
Trump’s confrontation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was about trying to show who’s in charge.
What does good cultural leadership look like?
There’s nothing indulgent about public funding for Australian culture. More funds would fix many of the sector’s problems.
Is the fight against inflation over?
It’s won and done.
Failing the test: Australian universities in crisis
Great countries have great institutions, but Australian universities are a mess.
The ‘better America’ bias
Donald Trump isn’t an aberration – he’s as much a product of American history as JFK or Barack Obama.
Australia has power, why don’t we act like it?
In a world of uncertainty, it is more important than ever for Australia to stop dismissing ourselves as a ‘middle power’ and start exerting our influence on the global stage.
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?
General Enquiries
Emily Bird Office Manager
mail@australiainstitute.org.au
Media Enquiries
Glenn Connley Senior Media Advisor