July 2025
Trump’s pharma tariffs would hurt Americans the most
A 200 per cent tariff on pharmaceuticals would help Big Pharma make bigger profits, but it’d be a disaster for Americans’ health.
Trump’s Big Bill makes America more dangerous while enriching a few
The legislation will turbocharge inequality and the climate catastrophe – and it’s all part of the administration’s plan to radically reshape American society.
Where to now for Indigenous justice? | Thomas Mayo
After the failure of the Voice referendum, achieving justice for Indigenous Australians remains more important than ever. This demands keeping hope alive.
Negative gearing is back, baby!
Positive gearing is so FY21-22.
June 2025
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.
The rich are getting richer
Australia’s overly generous approach to taxing wealth is allowing the richest Australians to keep more for themselves.
Safe to speak: protecting the whistleblower | Kieran Pender
For most would-be whistleblowers, the cost of courage is way too high. A whistleblower protection authority would ease their path.
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.
Protecting your ABC | Alex Sloan
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.
What does good cultural leadership look like? | Louise Adler
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 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.
A rich country in a housing crisis? | Maiy Azize
To end the housing crisis, governments need to stop subsidising private investors and instead directly invest in social housing.
April 2025
Boys will be boys
The white men in the White House are trying to radically reshape modern America.
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.
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
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?
Australia’s sick housing joke
Looking to buy a house? Having a good job that pays good money probably won’t be enough.
February 2025
What’s driving the wealth inequality crisis?
Without addressing the wealth inequality crisis, Australia’s economy and society will suffer.
January 2025
Killing for Country with David Marr | Summer Book Club
David Marr discusses the frontier wars and the shocking family discovery that led to his award-winning book, Killing for Country.
The work with Bri Lee | Summer Book Club
Bri Lee, one of Australia’s most exciting young writers, joins us to discuss her debut novel, The Work, and the politics of power and privilege.
December 2024
Fixing Australia’s housing crisis with Alan Kohler
Houses should be a place to live, not a ladder to wealth.
November 2024
Making America pay
Trump says he’s going to make other countries pay with a sweeping new tariff regime – but in reality, everyone will lose.
The worm kingdom
We discuss brainworms, Elon’s new gig, and why it’s a really bad idea to micro-dose E. coli.
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