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.
Next week, Treasurer Jim Chalmers will announce what the government has chosen to prioritise in this federal budget. So, will the government address some of the big issues facing social security, the climate, HECS, housing and more, or will it be a budget of band aid solutions? Senior Economist at the Australia Institute, Matt Grudnoff, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss what to look out for in next week’s budget.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 7 May 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Guest: Matthew Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by 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.
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
When targeting inflation, the RBA misses more often than it hits
With the fight against high inflation now over, will the Reserve Bank fail to learn the lessons of the past and allow inflation to fall below 2%?
Fearful and frozen: Why the Reserve Bank continues to err on rates
The RBA’s failures have real consequences. It should go back and closely reread the recommendations of the RBA review, particularly the ones that encourage it to open up to new and diverse viewpoints.
If business groups had their way, workers on the minimum wage would now be $160 a week worse off
Had the Fair Work Commission taken the advice of business groups, Australia lowest paid would now earn $160 less a week.