Data centre boom widens gap between growth figures and reality

featuring Greg Jericho and Elinor Johnston-Leek
Treasurer Jim Chalmers at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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With what little economic growth there is being driven by data centres, is it really a net positive for most Australians?

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the decision to lift minimum and award wages and what the latest GDP figures mean for Australian households.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 4 June 2026.

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute’s End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut

Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek

Show notes:

Australia’s GDP figures are meaningless when the boom in datacentres means destroying jobs and the climate by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (May 2026)

Clouded Future: Managing the risks of the data centre boom, Climate Council (June 2026)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Dollars & Sense on Apple PodcastsSpotifyPocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

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