Trump-Xi meeting key takeaways

AI "arms race" + the economic relationship

Impact of war on Iran

Implications for Australia

Last week’s Trump-Xi meeting delivered few tangible outcomes, but is a bigger shift in US-China relations under way?

On this episode of After America, Professor James Laurenceson joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the latest US-China leaders’ meeting, why the Biden administration’s hawkish approach to China may not be coming back, and what it all means for Australia.

This episode was recorded on Monday 28 September.

Guest: James Laurenceson, Professor and Director, Australia-China Relations Institute, University of Technology Sydney // @j-laurenceson

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Show notes:

Trump on throwing a state dinner for Xi Jinping, Mother Jones on Bsky (September 2026)

As fears of China wane, Americans favor greater engagement with Beijing, Chicago Council on Global Affairs (September 2026)

Trump dismisses China spying concerns after reports they provided Iran with Jordan airbase images, The Hill on YouTube (September 2026)

Stabilising ties with China is not appeasement by Graham Fletcher, Lowy Interpreter (August 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 After America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Last week&rsquo;s Trump-Xi meeting delivered few tangible outcomes, but is a bigger shift in US-China relations under way?
On this episode of After America, Professor James Laurenceson joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the latest US-China leaders&rsquo; meeting, why the Biden administration&rsquo;s hawkish approach to China may not be coming back, and what it all means for Australia.
This episode was recorded on Monday 28 September.
Guest: James Laurenceson, Professor and Director, Australia-China Relations Institute, University of Technology Sydney // <a href="https://x.com/j_laurenceson">@j-laurenceson</a>
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis.bsky.social">@emmashortis</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/motherjones.com/post/3mwj7moqw2y2w">Trump on throwing a state dinner for Xi Jinping</a>, Mother Jones on Bsky (September 2026)
<a href="https://globalaffairs.org/research/public-opinion-survey/fears-china-wane-americans-favor-greater-engagement-beijing">As fears of China wane, Americans favor greater engagement with Beijing</a>, Chicago Council on Global Affairs (September 2026)
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bApCQsvYqMY">Trump dismisses China spying concerns after reports they provided Iran with Jordan airbase images</a>, The Hill on YouTube (September 2026)
<a href="https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/stabilising-ties-with-china-is-not-appeasement">Stabilising ties with China is not appeasement</a> by Graham Fletcher, Lowy Interpreter (August 2026)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>. Subscribe to After America on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/after-america/id1751661496">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/788c8nelszhzvsxwTzQzGS?si=32cb1a5509704ebb">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/after-america/49b88b40-1809-013d-5deb-0acc26574db2">Pocket Casts</a>&nbsp;or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Last week’s Trump-Xi meeting delivered few tangible outcomes, but is a bigger shift in US-China relations under way?

Placid Trump-Xi summit bucks Washington ‘consensus’ of ever-rising tensions

On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains what’s really driving inflation in Australia and why interest rates aren’t actually the only way to control it.

This episode was recorded on Friday 11 September.

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now.

Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

Read more on The Point.

Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss

Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang

Show notes:

Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP | Bernie Fraser Oration 2026, the Australia Institute

Revenue Summit 2026, the Australia Institute

Wages are not to blame for rising inflation by David Richardson, Greg Jericho & Matt Saunders, the Australia Institute (February 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 What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

On this episode of What&rsquo;s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains what&rsquo;s really driving inflation in Australia and why interest rates aren&rsquo;t actually the only way to control it.
This episode was recorded on Friday 11 September.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now.
Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
Read more on <a href="https://thepoint.com.au/">The Point</a>.
Host:&nbsp;Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/richarddenniss.bsky.social">@richarddenniss</a>
Host:&nbsp;Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/annachang.bsky.social">@annachang</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/bernie-fraser-oration-2026-hon-dr-jim-chalmers-mp">Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP | Bernie Fraser Oration 2026</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/revenue-summit-2026">Revenue Summit 2026</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="http://australiainstitute.org.au/report/wages-are-not-to-blame-for-rising-inflation/">Wages are not to blame for rising inflation</a> by David Richardson, Greg Jericho &amp; Matt Saunders, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
Theme music:&nbsp;Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>. Subscribe to&nbsp;What&rsquo;s the Point? with Richard Denniss&nbsp;on <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgXQ0oSpA60zbnbOH5xNLdinbxKeW2JqH&amp;si=fKjXy59qM9uUQ77q">YouTube</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/whats-the-point-with-richard-denniss/id1896871574">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/033rDEIEiJCMwPEwADjpfb">Spotify</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

What’s the point of inflation?

Welcome back, Skye!

Intergenerational report

What is 'middle Australia'?

Measures of financial stress

Australians feeling overqualified

Artificial intelligence dominates the latest Intergenerational Report – but are multi-decade predictions about the rapidly changing technology any more than just a stab in the dark?

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Skye discuss the focus on artificial intelligence in the latest 40-year outlook, the latest data on ‘middle Australia’, and why homeowners have reported higher levels of financial stress.

This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

Join an outstanding line-up of policymakers, academics and independent experts at the Australia Institute’s Revenue Summit 2026. Tickets are on sale now for the event at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 14 October.

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

Host: Skye Predavec, Researcher, the Australia Institute // @skyelark

Show notes:

Single, couple or family: not all Australian middle-income earners are equal by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026)

The Intergenerational Report has found its shiny new toy: AI. But what about climate change? by Greg Jericho, The Point (September 2026)

The Government is hyping artificial intelligence, but its numbers tell a different story by Bill Browne, The Point (September 2026)

Australia and the World' 2026 Annual Lecture: The Hon Jim Chalmers MP, the Australian National University on YouTube (September 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 Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Artificial intelligence dominates the latest Intergenerational Report &ndash; but are multi-decade predictions about the rapidly changing technology any more than just a stab in the dark?
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Skye discuss the focus on artificial intelligence in the latest 40-year outlook, the latest data on &lsquo;middle Australia&rsquo;, and why homeowners have reported higher levels of financial stress.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 23 September 2026.
Join an outstanding line-up of policymakers, academics and independent experts at <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/revenue-summit-2026">the Australia Institute&rsquo;s Revenue Summit 2026</a>. Tickets are on sale now for the event at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 14 October.
Host:&nbsp;Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/grogsgamut.bsky.social">@grogsgamut</a>
Host:&nbsp;Skye Predavec, Researcher, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/skyelark.bsky.social">@skyelark</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/sep/24/single-couple-or-family-not-all-australian-middle-income-earners-are-equal">Single, couple or family: not all Australian middle-income earners are equal</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260921-the-intergenerational-report-has-found-its-shiny-new-toy-ai-but-what-about-climate-change">The Intergenerational Report has found its shiny new toy: AI. But what about climate change?</a> by Greg Jericho, The Point (September 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260923-the-government-is-hyping-artificial-intelligence-but-its-numbers-tell-a-different-story">The Government is hyping artificial intelligence, but its numbers tell a different story</a> by Bill Browne, The Point (September 2026)
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVR2HUmAkVE">Australia and the World' 2026 Annual Lecture: The Hon Jim Chalmers MP</a>, the Australian National University on YouTube (September 2026)
Theme music:&nbsp;Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>. Subscribe to&nbsp;Dollars&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Sense&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dollars-sense/id1717300562">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5FWzwVKWUR2tZCbXSKuBE2?si=1c2f3558cc6d44ab">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/dollars-sense/9cc37d00-6a4f-013c-9f4c-0acc26574db2">Pocket Casts</a>&nbsp;or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Artificial intelligence dominates the latest Intergenerational report – but are multi-decade predictions about the rapidly changing technology any more than just a stab in the dark?

Will Australia "keep up and succeed"? Lessons from the Intergenerational Report

Despite dire warnings from the scientific community and Australia’s Pacific neighbours, the federal government isn’t getting the message.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Tuvalu Minister for Climate Change and Environment Dr Maina Vakafua Talia and Canadian independent Senator Dr Rosa Galvez join us to discuss the need to phase out fossil fuels.

This episode was recorded live on Wednesday 16 September at the Australia Institute’s Politics in the Pub event in Canberra.

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest edition in the Vantage Point series, is available now.

Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

Guest: The Hon Dr Maina Vakafua Talia, Minister for Climate Change and Environment for the Government of Tuvalu

Guest: The Hon Senator Dr Rosa Galvez, Independent Senator for Québec (Bedford), Canada // @senrosagalvez

Host: Louise Morris, Head of Fossil Fuel Transition, the Australia Institute // @louisemorris

Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett

Show notes:

Transition Away from Fossil Fuels: A roadmap for Australia by Hamdi Jama, Rod Campbell & Louise Morris, the Australia Institute (September 2026)

Australia and Canada can learn from each other on climate if we separate action from declaration by Rosa Galvez, Guardian Australia (September 2026)

Albanese's Climate Week speech left out the numbers that matter most by Louise Morris, The Point (September 2026)

Limiting Overshoot - Navigating exceedance of 1.5°C and pathways towards return, United Nations Overshoot Programme (September 2026)

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. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Despite dire warnings from the scientific community and Australia&rsquo;s Pacific neighbours, the federal government isn&rsquo;t getting the message.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Tuvalu Minister for Climate Change and Environment Dr Maina Vakafua Talia and Canadian independent Senator Dr Rosa Galvez join us to discuss the need to phase out fossil fuels.
This episode was recorded live on Wednesday 16 September at the Australia Institute&rsquo;s Politics in the Pub event in Canberra.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest edition in the Vantage Point series, is available now.
Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
Guest: The Hon Dr Maina Vakafua Talia, Minister for Climate Change and Environment for the Government of Tuvalu
Guest: The Hon Senator Dr Rosa Galvez, Independent Senator for Qu&eacute;bec (Bedford), Canada // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/senrosagalvez.bsky.social">@senrosagalvez</a>
Host: Louise Morris, Head of Fossil Fuel Transition, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/louisemorris.bsky.social">@louisemorris</a>
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ebonybennett.bsky.social">@ebonybennett</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/transition-away-from-fossil-fuels/">Transition Away from Fossil Fuels: A roadmap for Australia</a> by Hamdi Jama, Rod Campbell &amp; Louise Morris, the Australia Institute (September 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/sep/12/australia-canada-climate-integrity-summit-rosa-galvez">Australia and Canada can learn from each other on climate if we separate action from declaration</a> by Rosa Galvez, Guardian Australia (September 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260922-albaneses-climate-week-speech-left-out-the-numbers-that-matter-most">Albanese's Climate Week speech left out the numbers that matter most</a> by Louise Morris, The Point (September 2026)
<a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/limiting-overshoot-navigating-exceedance">Limiting Overshoot - Navigating exceedance of 1.5&deg;C and pathways towards return</a>, United Nations Overshoot Programme (September 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Despite dire warnings from the scientific community and Australia’s Pacific neighbours, the federal government isn’t getting the message.

The promise of a future: it’s time to phase out fossil fuels

Red Lines package

Sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements

State of international law

What Australia can be doing

A new suite of legislation aims to ensure that Australia doesn’t fund, arm or invest in illegal settlements, war crimes or genocide – but the federal government has blocked an inquiry into the bills.

On this episode of After America, lawyer and advocate Rawan Arraf joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the Red Lines Package, the decision of the United Kingdom and others to sanction illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, and the future of international law.

This episode was recorded on Friday 18 September.

Join Emma and Allan Behm for the Melbourne launch of Allan’s new book, New Game New Rules: A foreign policy for dystopian times at 6pm on Tuesday 22 September.

Guest: Rawan Arraf, Executive Director & Principal Lawyer, Australian Centre for International Justice // @rawanarraf

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Show notes:

Red Lines Package

New Game, New Rules: A foreign policy for dystopian times by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (August 2026)

Beyond the Two-State Solution: Policy responses to the Destruction of Palestine and the Insecurity of Israel by Emma Shortis, Allan Behm & Bob Bowker, the Australia Institute (September 2026)

International law is under attack. Australia can stand up for justice, After America (August 2026)

Will Another Global Court Ruin Itself? by the Editorial Board, Wall Street Journal (September 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 After America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

A new suite of legislation aims to ensure that Australia doesn&rsquo;t fund, arm or invest in illegal settlements, war crimes or genocide &ndash; but the federal government has blocked an inquiry into the bills.
On this episode of After America, lawyer and advocate Rawan Arraf joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the Red Lines Package, the decision of the United Kingdom and others to sanction illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, and the future of international law.
This episode was recorded on Friday 18 September.
Join Emma and Allan Behm for <a href="https://aiiavic.glueup.com/event/new-game-new-rules-a-foreign-policy-for-dystopian-times-193368/">the Melbourne launch of Allan&rsquo;s new book</a>, New Game New Rules: A foreign policy for dystopian times at 6pm on Tuesday 22 September.
Guest: Rawan Arraf, Executive Director &amp; Principal Lawyer, Australian Centre for International Justice // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/rawanarraf.bsky.social">@rawanarraf</a>
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis.bsky.social">@emmashortis</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://www.redlinespackage.com.au/">Red Lines Package</a>
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/new-game-new-rules">New Game, New Rules: A foreign policy for dystopian times</a> by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (August 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/beyond-the-two-state-solution/">Beyond the Two-State Solution: Policy responses to the Destruction of Palestine and the Insecurity of Israel</a> by Emma Shortis, Allan Behm &amp; Bob Bowker, the Australia Institute (September 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/international-law-is-under-attack-australia-can-stand-up-for-justice/">International law is under attack. Australia can stand up for justice</a>, After America (August 2026)
<a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/international-court-of-justice-genocide-definition-israel-7a92abd5">Will Another Global Court Ruin Itself?</a> by the Editorial Board, Wall Street Journal (September 2026)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>. Subscribe to After America on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/after-america/id1751661496">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/788c8nelszhzvsxwTzQzGS?si=32cb1a5509704ebb">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/after-america/49b88b40-1809-013d-5deb-0acc26574db2">Pocket Casts</a>&nbsp;or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

A new suite of legislation aims to ensure that Australia doesn’t fund, arm or invest in illegal settlements, war crimes or genocide – but the federal government has blocked an inquiry into the bills.

Where are the red lines? Australia, genocide and international law

The Prime Minister said he wants to promote ‘progressive patriotism’ – but his policies tell a different story. In this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard explains the dangers of centrism and what progressive politics actually looks like.

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now.

Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now.

Read more on The Point.

Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss

Producer: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang

Show notes:

Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP | Bernie Fraser Oration 2026 tickets

Revenue Summit 2026 tickets

Six weeks after Albanese pledged renewable-powered data centres, he’s already made an exception by Tegan George, The Point (August 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 What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

The Prime Minister said he wants to promote &lsquo;progressive patriotism&rsquo; &ndash; but his policies tell a different story. In this episode of What&rsquo;s the Point?, Richard explains the dangers of centrism and what progressive politics actually looks like.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now.
Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/dead-centre-vantage-point-issue-2">Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us</a> by Richard Denniss is available now.
Read more on <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgXQ0oSpA60zbnbOH5xNLdinbxKeW2JqH&amp;si=fKjXy59qM9uUQ77q">The Point.</a>
Host:&nbsp;Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/richarddenniss.bsky.social">@richarddenniss</a>
Producer:&nbsp;Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/annachang.bsky.social">@annachang</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/bernie-fraser-oration-2026-hon-dr-jim-chalmers-mp">Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP | Bernie Fraser Oration 2026 tickets</a>
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/revenue-summit-2026">Revenue Summit 2026 tickets</a>
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/new/260828-six-weeks-after-albanese-pledged-renewable-powered-data-centres-hes-already-made-an-exception">Six weeks after Albanese pledged renewable-powered data centres, he&rsquo;s already made an exception</a> by Tegan George, The Point (August 2026)
Theme music:&nbsp;Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>. Subscribe to&nbsp;What&rsquo;s the Point? with Richard Denniss&nbsp;on YouTube,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/whats-the-point-with-richard-denniss/id1896871574">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/033rDEIEiJCMwPEwADjpfb">Spotify</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

What’s the point of progressive politics?

Migration

Australians dying of poverty

Inequality is a political choice

Show announcement

By lifting the rate of Jobseeker, the Australian government could save lives.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the shocking number of Australians dying on Jobseeker, the government’s immigration policy announcements, and why inequality is a political choice. Then, a bittersweet Dollars & Sense announcement.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 17 September 2026.

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now.

Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

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

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

Show notes:

Extreme inequality is not a given. It is a political choice and we can unmake it by Joseph Stiglitz, The Point (September 2026)

In such a rich country, it is shameful how many Australians on jobseeker are dying in desperate poverty by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026)

Recycled fuss about migrants is just a painful hot-button topic looking for an issue by Amy Remeikis, The New Daily (September 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 Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

By lifting the rate of Jobseeker, the Australian government could save lives.
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the shocking number of Australians dying on Jobseeker, the government&rsquo;s immigration policy announcements, and why inequality is a political choice. Then, a bittersweet Dollars &amp; Sense announcement.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 17 September 2026.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now.
Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
Host:&nbsp;Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/grogsgamut.bsky.social">@grogsgamut</a>
Host:&nbsp;Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/elinorjohnstonleek.bsky.social">@elinorjohnstonleek</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260916-extreme-inequality-is-not-a-given-it-is-a-political-choice-and-we-can-unmake-it">Extreme inequality is not a given. It is a political choice and we can unmake it</a> by Joseph Stiglitz, The Point (September 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/sep/17/australians-jobseeker-dying-in-poverty">In such a rich country, it is shameful how many Australians on jobseeker are dying in desperate poverty</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026)
<a href="https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/politics/australian-politics/2026/09/16/migrants-jobs-housing-nazis-politics">Recycled fuss about migrants is just a painful hot-button topic looking for an issue</a> by Amy Remeikis, The New Daily (September 2026)
Theme music:&nbsp;Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>. Subscribe to&nbsp;Dollars&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Sense&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dollars-sense/id1717300562">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5FWzwVKWUR2tZCbXSKuBE2?si=1c2f3558cc6d44ab">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/dollars-sense/9cc37d00-6a4f-013c-9f4c-0acc26574db2">Pocket Casts</a>&nbsp;or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

By lifting the rate of Jobseeker, the Australian government could save lives.

A shocking number of Australians on Jobseeker are dying – it doesn’t have to be this way

Australia's 'sickspan'

Private sector performs poorly in care sectors

Private health insurance

Soaring cost of specialists

Changes to private health rebate

Solutions

Soaring specialist costs, an increasingly complex system, and Australians getting sicker for longer suggest all is not well in Australian health care.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Luke Slawomirski and Matt Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett to discuss the soaring cost of specialists, why pushing people towards the private health system doesn’t take pressure off public hospitals, the government’s proposed changes to private health rebates, and how to ensure Australia doesn’t backslide towards US-style health care.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 15 September.

Correction: During the discussion on Australian specialist costs, Luke mistakenly said that average costs in the Australian Capital Territory are six times higher than Tasmania. They are actually four times higher.

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest edition in the Vantage Point series, is available now.

Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

Guest: Luke Slawomirski, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the Australia Institute // @lukeslawomirski

Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff

Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett

Show notes:

Australia has an illness system, not a health system by Luke Slawomirski, The Point (July 2026)

Millions delay or skip appointments as specialist care become too expensive for many Australians – new research, the Australia Institute (August 2026)

Why scrapping the age-based private health insurance rebate makes sense by Luke Slawomirski, The Point (September 2026)

The quarter of a trillion dollar shortfall leaving states and territories scrambling, the Australia Institute (September 2026)

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. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Soaring specialist costs, an increasingly complex system, and Australians getting sicker for longer suggest all is not well in Australian health care.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Luke Slawomirski and Matt Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett to discuss the soaring cost of specialists, why pushing people towards the private health system doesn&rsquo;t take pressure off public hospitals, the government&rsquo;s proposed changes to private health rebates, and how to ensure Australia doesn&rsquo;t backslide towards US-style health care.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 15 September.
Correction: During the discussion on Australian specialist costs, Luke mistakenly said that average costs in the Australian Capital Territory are six times higher than Tasmania. They are actually four times higher.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest edition in the Vantage Point series, is available now.
Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
Guest: Luke Slawomirski, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/lukeslawomirski.bsky.social">@lukeslawomirski</a>
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mattgrudnoff.bsky.social">@mattgrudnoff</a>
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ebonybennett.bsky.social">@ebonybennett</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260729-australia-has-an-illness-system-not-a-health-system">Australia has an illness system, not a health system</a> by Luke Slawomirski, The Point (July 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/millions-delay-or-skip-appointments-as-specialist-care-become-too-expensive-for-many-australians-new-research/">Millions delay or skip appointments as specialist care become too expensive for many Australians &ndash; new research</a>, the Australia Institute (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260911-why-scrapping-the-age-based-private-health-insurance-rebate-makes-sense">Why scrapping the age-based private health insurance rebate makes sense</a> by Luke Slawomirski, The Point (September 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/the-quarter-of-a-trillion-dollar-shortfall-leaving-states-and-territories-scrambling/">The quarter of a trillion dollar shortfall leaving states and territories scrambling</a>, the Australia Institute (September 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Soaring specialist costs, an increasingly complex system, and Australians getting sicker for longer suggest all is not well in Australian health care.

Australia built an illness system, not a health system

American access to Australian bases

Consequences of war on terror

Reactions to the report & changing landscape

Australian involvement US military action

The United States controls or has access to more than 100 defence facilities on Australian soil, according to new research.

On this episode of After America, Dr Richard Tanter joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss his new research on American access to Australian defence facilities, the long-term consequences of the war on terror for the Australia-US alliance, and whether Australia is the only American ally not seriously rethinking its relationship with the United States.

This episode was recorded on Friday 11 September.

Join Emma and Allan Behm for the Melbourne launch of Allan’s new book, New Game New Rules: A foreign policy for dystopian times at 6pm on Tuesday 22 September.

Tickets to ‘The Last Best Hope of Earth: Reflections on the USA at 250’ at the Celtic Club in Melbourne on Friday 18 September are available here.

Guest: Richard Tanter, Senior Research Associate, Nautilus Institute

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Show notes:

Australian Bases & US Involvement

The US now has access to more than half Australia’s military bases – could it drag the country unwillingly into war? by Ben Doherty, Andy Ball & Nick Evershed, Guardian Australia (September 2026)

9/11: Can the US ever recover? by Allan Behm, The Point (September 2026)

Shorter America: Anniversaries; Australia and 9/11; From the rubble by Emma Shortis, The Point (September 2026)

New Game, New Rules: A foreign policy for dystopian times by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (August 2026)

A suitable piece of real estate: American installations in Australia by Desmond Ball, Hale & Iremonger (1980)

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 After America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

The United States controls or has access to more than 100 defence facilities on Australian soil, according to new research.
On this episode of After America, Dr Richard Tanter joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss his new research on American access to Australian defence facilities, the long-term consequences of the war on terror for the Australia-US alliance, and whether Australia is the only American ally not seriously rethinking its relationship with the United States.
This episode was recorded on Friday 11 September.
Join Emma and Allan Behm for <a href="https://aiiavic.glueup.com/event/new-game-new-rules-a-foreign-policy-for-dystopian-times-193368/">the Melbourne launch of Allan&rsquo;s new book</a>, New Game New Rules: A foreign policy for dystopian times at 6pm on Tuesday 22 September.
Tickets to <a href="https://luma.com/celtic-e1mt">&lsquo;The Last Best Hope of Earth: Reflections on the USA at 250&rsquo;</a> at the Celtic Club in Melbourne on Friday 18 September are available here.
Guest: Richard Tanter, Senior Research Associate, Nautilus Institute
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis.bsky.social">@emmashortis</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://ausbases.au/">Australian Bases &amp; US Involvement</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/ng-interactive/2026/sep/07/us-military-bases-in-australia-map-list-spy-satellite-pine-gap">The US now has access to more than half Australia&rsquo;s military bases &ndash; could it drag the country unwillingly into war?</a> by Ben Doherty, Andy Ball &amp; Nick Evershed, Guardian Australia (September 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260911-9-11-can-the-us-ever-recover">9/11: Can the US ever recover?</a> by Allan Behm, The Point (September 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/new/260911-shorter-america-this-week">Shorter America: Anniversaries; Australia and 9/11; From the rubble</a> by Emma Shortis, The Point (September 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/new-game-new-rules">New Game, New Rules: A foreign policy for dystopian times</a> by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (August 2026)
<a href="https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/2974949">A suitable piece of real estate: American installations in Australia</a> by Desmond Ball, Hale &amp; Iremonger (1980)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>. Subscribe to After America on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/after-america/id1751661496">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/788c8nelszhzvsxwTzQzGS?si=32cb1a5509704ebb">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/after-america/49b88b40-1809-013d-5deb-0acc26574db2">Pocket Casts</a>&nbsp;or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

The United States controls or has access to more than 100 defence facilities on Australian soil, according to new research.

America’s “shocking” access to Australian bases, revealed

On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss examines Australia’s artificial intelligence boom and the political fight over who reaps the rewards.

This episode was recorded on Friday 4 September.

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now.

Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

Read more on The Point.

Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss

Producer: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang

Show notes:

Climate Integrity Summit 2026 livestream tickets

Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP | Bernie Fraser Oration 2026 tickets

Revenue Summit 2026 tickets

Six weeks after Albanese pledged renewable-powered data centres, he’s already made an exception by Tegan George, The Point (August 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 What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

On this episode of What&rsquo;s the Point?, Richard Denniss examines Australia&rsquo;s artificial intelligence boom and the political fight over who reaps the rewards.
This episode was recorded on Friday 4 September.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now.
Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
Read more on <a href="https://thepoint.com.au">The Point</a>.
Host:&nbsp;Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/richarddenniss.bsky.social">@richarddenniss</a>
Producer:&nbsp;Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/annachang.bsky.social">@annachang</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-climate-integrity-summit-2026?c=website">Climate Integrity Summit 2026 livestream tickets</a>
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/bernie-fraser-oration-2026-hon-dr-jim-chalmers-mp">Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP | Bernie Fraser Oration 2026 tickets</a>
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/revenue-summit-2026">Revenue Summit 2026 tickets</a>
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/new/260828-six-weeks-after-albanese-pledged-renewable-powered-data-centres-hes-already-made-an-exception">Six weeks after Albanese pledged renewable-powered data centres, he&rsquo;s already made an exception</a> by Tegan George, The Point (August 2026)
Theme music:&nbsp;Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>. Subscribe to&nbsp;What&rsquo;s the Point? with Richard Denniss&nbsp;on <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgXQ0oSpA60zbnbOH5xNLdinbxKeW2JqH&amp;si=fKjXy59qM9uUQ77q">YouTube</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/whats-the-point-with-richard-denniss/id1896871574">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/033rDEIEiJCMwPEwADjpfb">Spotify</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

What’s the point of data centres?

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Get all of the Australia Institute's podcasts in one feed.

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