“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.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Stephen Long, Walkley Award-winning journalist and Australia Institute Contributing Editor, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the Murdoch press bogeyman, supporting the public broadcasters and the prospects for major, progressive reforms in the second Albanese term.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 13 May 2025 and things may have changed.
Order ‘After America: Australia and the new world order’ or become a foundation subscriber to our Vantage Point series and save 25% on the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @stephenlongaus
Host: Ebony Bennet, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Worth a Punt – 2% Levy on Gambling Revenue Could Replace Free-To-Air Advertising Spend by Stephen Long and David Richardson, the Australia Institute (August 2024)
Peter Dutton confirms excessive gas exports hurt Australia, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
There is no such thing as a safe seat | Fact sheet, the Australia Institute (October 2024)
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.
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