Funding our own Destruction
Despite fossil fuel usage contributing to the destruction of our climate, the Australian government still hands out billions every year in fossil fuel subsidies. But where is the money going, and how much is being spent exactly?
This was recorded on Tuesday 2nd May 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Between the Lines Newsletter
The biggest stories and the best analysis from the team at the Australia Institute, delivered to your inbox every fortnight.
You might also like
Fossil fuel subsidies
When governments subsidise fossil fuels—coal, gas, diesel, petrol—they not only waste public money, they also make climate change worse. Subsidies and tax breaks make fossil fuels cheaper, making it harder to switch to renewable energy and cleaner technologies. Ending fossil fuel subsidies is common sense and good policy.
Why a fossil fuel-free COP could put Australia’s bid over the edge
When the medical world hosts a conference on quitting smoking, they don’t invite Phillip Morris, or British American Tobacco along to help “be part of the solution”.
What is a ‘fund’?
You’ve likely heard a lot about ‘funds’ in this election campaign; the Coalition announced a few of them and promised to make huge savings by canning funds created by the Albanese Government. Funds can be a confusing concept, so here’s an explainer.

