Follow the Money
The Australia Institute’s Follow the Money podcast explains Australia’s big economic issues in plain English. We bust myths, dissect politics, interpret econobabble and help you sound really smart at your next dinner party, with host Ebony Bennett.
November 2024
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.
The uninsurables: how climate change is pricing people out of home insurance
More frequent and severe disasters are sending insurance costs through the roof, creating a north-south divide in Australia.
Hitting our limits: the climate and COP29
The United Nations climate change negotiations are skirting around the critical issue of phasing out fossil fuels and are in desperate need of reform, says Sandrine Dixson-Declève.
The AUKward truth about the US relationship
With its democracy under assault, America needs a friend, not a flunkey.
October 2024
We can, in fact, have nice things
He lost the Queensland election, but former Premier Steven Miles may have saved the furniture by putting forward popular, progressive policies that voters responded to.
Secrecy is not security
Excessive secrecy in government decision-making makes Australia less safe, not more.
The way we disagree
Press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno joins us to discuss how conflict in the Middle East is reverberating through Australia and reconciliation one year after the Voice referendum.
Super-powered nukes: Aussie funds and weapons of mass destruction
Australian superannuation funds have been investing in nuclear weapons, according to new research.
Are the Big Two too big? Reining in the supermarket giants
Senator Nick McKim joins us to discuss the ACCC legal action against Coles and Woolworths and why the government should have the power to break up the Big Two.
September 2024
Offsetting into oblivion with George Monbiot
By relying on uncertain and unethical carbon offsets to combat the climate crisis, society is setting itself on a path to destruction, George Monbiot says.
Mining’s big temper tantrum
The mining industry had a pre-election sook last week about government policy, but its claims about being the ‘backbone’ of the economy are more spin than substance.
Nothing in reserve: households “smashed” by rate hikes
The Reserve Bank is home to the experts on monetary policy – but what happens when they get it wrong?
Jumping at shadows with Mark Kenny
Mark Kenny joins us to discuss the government’s census own goal and Australia’s flagging economy.
August 2024
Can quality journalism survive in Australia?
On this episode, we discuss regulating the digital giants, the challenge of artificial intelligence and restoring trust in the media.
Wealth of nations: how Australia’s prosperity is funnelled to the ultra-rich
Australia’s flawed tax system means that there’s never been a better time to be ultra-wealthy in Australia, despite some people struggling to put food on the table.
The road to freedom with Joseph Stiglitz
Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz joins us to discuss how to create a fairer, freer society and the “fertile field” neoliberalism has created for demagogues.
New divides with Paul Bongiorno
We discuss declining social cohesion, the Prime Minister’s visit to the Northern Territory and the cabinet reshuffle with veteran journalist Paul Bongiorno.
How superannuation tax concessions help the rich get richer
Super tax concessions make inequality worse and are at risk of becoming more expensive than the aged pension.
July 2024
Why no seat is ‘safe’ anymore
The rise of independents and minor parties means that Labor and the Coalition can no longer take any race for granted.
The fight to free Jimmy Lai
Pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai faces life in prison in Hong Kong, but his son Sebastien and renowned human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson are leading the fight to set him free.
Democracy (handle with care)
Careless political finance reforms could shift the balance in Australian democracy in favour of special interests.
June 2024
Don’t listen to this podcast
The Coalition’s nuclear ‘plan’ is a cynical, Trump-like distraction – so why does the media (and this podcast) fall for the trap?
Australia’s great gas giveaway
Gas is a finite resource – so why is Australia essentially giving it away?
Is America heading towards disaster?
With just five months until the presidential election, American democracy is under serious threat.
How Australia created a housing crisis (and what we can do to fix it)
Australia is in the midst of a housing crisis, fuelled by poor government policy.
May 2024
The Fight to Free Assange
It’s been 12 years since Julian Assange has been free – but is the fight to keep him from a life in an American prison finally coming to an end? United States President Joe Biden told reporters he’s considering Australia’s request to drop charges against Assange for publishing thousands of sensitive military and government documents,
Jess Hill on the Domestic Violence Crisis
A series of recent high-profile incidents has thrust the national crisis of domestic violence into the spotlight. Clearly the current approach to violence against women isn’t working, so what can be done? 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
Budget 2024: what you need to know
Budget 2024 had a little bit for a lot of people, but in trying to please everyone, has the government disappointed everyone instead?
The budget vs inflation
Millions of Australians are struggling to make ends meet, yet when it comes to the federal budget, too often we hear that governments ‘can’t afford’ additional spending.
Australia’s state-sponsored greenwashing
It’s going to be difficult to tackle bogus environmental claims from the private sector until the government itself stops greenwashing, argues Polly Hemming on this episode of Follow the Money.
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