GDP figures not good but beat "expectations"

Massive GST shortfall

Access to specialist healthcare

Australia’s economy is not overheating, so why are experts predicting a rate hike?

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg gets triggered by the growth figures, before he and Elinor discuss how the states and territories have missed out on a lazy quarter-trillion and why access to specialist healthcare is slipping out of reach for many Australians.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 3 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:

Australia’s economy limps along, but the RBA should take a closer look before raising interest rates again by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026)

RBA's own research shows that profits drove post-pandemic inflation, not wages by Greg Jericho, The Point (September 2026)

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

How can Australia ensure universal access to medical specialist care? by Luke Slawomirski, The Point (August 2026)

Millions delay or skip appointments as specialist care become too expensive for many Australians – new research, the Australia Institute (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 Dollars & Sense on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Australia&rsquo;s economy is not overheating, so why are experts predicting a rate hike?
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg gets triggered by the growth figures, before he and Elinor discuss how the states and territories have missed out on a lazy quarter-trillion and why access to specialist healthcare is slipping out of reach for many Australians.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 3 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://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/sep/03/australia-economy-gdp-growth-rba-expected-raise-interest-rates-again">Australia&rsquo;s economy limps along, but the RBA should take a closer look before raising interest rates again</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260901-rbas-own-research-shows-that-profits-drove-post-pandemic-inflation-not-wages">RBA's own research shows that profits drove post-pandemic inflation, not wages</a> by Greg Jericho, 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)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260826-how-can-australia-ensure-universal-access-to-medical-specialist-care">How can Australia ensure universal access to medical specialist care?</a> by Luke Slawomirski, The Point (August 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)
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.

Australia’s economy is not overheating, so why are experts predicting a rate hike?

EVs driving “discretionary” spending, so will the RBA slam the brakes?

Australia's scandal-plagued consulting sector

How consultancies are regulated

The need for structural reform

After years of scandals, it’s time to break up Australia’s ‘big four’ consultancy firms.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Josh Bornstein and Skye Predavec join Ebony Bennett to discuss Australia’s scandal-plagued big consultancies, the impact of governments’ “orgy of outsourcing” to these firms, and why breaking up the ‘big four’ is the best way to prevent future misconduct.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday 2 September.

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: Josh Bornstein, Director, Corporate Regulation, the Australia Institute // @joshbornstein

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

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

Show notes:

Break up the Big Four by Josh Bornstein, Skye Predavec and Anara Watson, the Australia Institute (August 2026)

The KPMG scandal: We have seen this show before by Josh Bornstein, The Point (July 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.

After years of scandals, it&rsquo;s time to break up Australia&rsquo;s &lsquo;big four&rsquo; consultancy firms.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Josh Bornstein and Skye Predavec join Ebony Bennett to discuss Australia&rsquo;s scandal-plagued big consultancies, the impact of governments&rsquo; &ldquo;orgy of outsourcing&rdquo; to these firms, and why breaking up the &lsquo;big four&rsquo; is the best way to prevent future misconduct.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday 2 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 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: Josh Bornstein, Director, Corporate Regulation, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/joshbornstein.bsky.social">@joshbornstein</a>
Guest: Skye Predavec, Researcher, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/skyelark.bsky.social">@skyelark</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/break-up-the-big-four/">Break up the Big Four</a> by Josh Bornstein, Skye Predavec and Anara Watson, the Australia Institute (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260721-the-kpmg-scandal-we-have-seen-this-show-before">The KPMG scandal: We have seen this show before</a> by Josh Bornstein, The Point (July 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.

After years of scandals, it’s time to break up Australia’s ‘big four’ consultancy firms.

Break up the 'big four': fixing Australia's scandal-plagued consulting sector

The ANZUS treaty

The substance of the Australia-US relationship

Australia's role in rule-setting

Principles for foreign policy

Costs of inaction

The Australia-United States relationship is strong in spite of the flawed defence partnership.

On this episode of After America, Allan Behm and Dr Emma Shortis discuss 75 years of the ANZUS treaty, the Trump administration’s assault on international law, and what confident, capable Australian foreign policy could look like.

This episode was recorded Friday 28 August.

New Game, New Rules: A foreign policy for dystopian times by Allan Behm is available now from Australia Institute Press for $19.95.

Guest: Allan Behm, Special Advisor, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute

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

Show notes:

ANZUS and Australia’s Security by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (July 2020)

After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)

Shorter America: Oh, Dolly; We're not ready; Barely Gettin' By by Emma Shortis, 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 After America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

The Australia-United States relationship is strong in spite of the flawed defence partnership.
On this episode of After America, Allan Behm and Dr Emma Shortis discuss 75 years of the ANZUS treaty, the Trump administration&rsquo;s assault on international law, and what confident, capable Australian foreign policy could look like.
This episode was recorded Friday 28 August.
<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 is available now from Australia Institute Press for $19.95.
Guest: Allan Behm, Special Advisor, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia 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://australiainstitute.org.au/report/anzus-and-australias-security/">ANZUS and Australia&rsquo;s Security</a> by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (July 2020)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/after-america-vantage-point-issue-1">After America: Australia and the new world order</a> by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/new/260828-shorter-america-this-week">Shorter America: Oh, Dolly; We're not ready; Barely Gettin' By</a> by Emma Shortis, The Point (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.

The Australia-United States relationship is strong in spite of the flawed defence partnership.

An unhealthy alliance: 75 years of ANZUS

The Productivity Commission is a government-funded economic think tank that’s meant to give independent advice about how to make the Australian economy work better. On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses whether it is fit for purpose.

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

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

Climate Integrity Summit 2026 livestream tickets.

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

Show notes:

I want to see the Productivity Commission abolished – and even I think Labor’s attack on it was unfair | The Point

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 Productivity Commission is a government-funded economic think tank that&rsquo;s meant to give independent advice about how to make the Australian economy work better. On this episode of&nbsp;What&rsquo;s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses whether it is fit for purpose.
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,&nbsp;The Point&nbsp;//&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/annachang.bsky.social">@annachang</a>
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-climate-integrity-summit-2026?c=website">Climate Integrity Summit 2026 livestream tickets.</a>
Order&nbsp;<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a>&nbsp;by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press.
Show notes:
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260831-i-want-to-see-the-productivity-commission-abolished-and-even-i-think-labors-attack-on-it-was-unfair">I want to see the Productivity Commission abolished &ndash; and even I think Labor&rsquo;s attack on it was unfair | The Point</a>
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&nbsp;<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 the Productivity Commission? 

Data centres & National Cabinet

Fuel prices & the war on Iran

Corporate profits driving inflation

East vs West over the GST

Profits are surging and living standards are not. Will the AI boom be any different?

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Angus discuss the carve-out for Queensland and Northern Territory data centres that’ll allow them to run off coal and gas, the skyrocketing profits of some of Australia’s biggest companies, and the east coast vs west coast beef over GST revenue.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 27 August 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: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @AngusRB

Show notes:

What will we get out of the AI boom? The data suggests lots of noisy, energy-hungry datacentres and not much else by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026)

What do they mean by "energy agnostic?" by Fiona Katauskas, The Point (August 2026)

Wages are not to blame for rising inflation by David Richardson, Greg Jericho & Matt Saunders, the Australia Institute (February 2026)

Australia’s gas giveaway, the Australia Institute

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.

Profits are surging and living standards are not. Will the AI boom be any different?
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Angus discuss the carve-out for Queensland and Northern Territory data centres that&rsquo;ll allow them to run off coal and gas, the skyrocketing profits of some of Australia&rsquo;s biggest companies, and the east coast vs west coast beef over GST revenue.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 27 August 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;Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/angusrb.bsky.social">@AngusRB</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/aug/27/ai-boom-noisy-energy-hungry-datacentres-construction-economy">What will we get out of the AI boom? The data suggests lots of noisy, energy-hungry datacentres and not much else</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260827-why-dont-you-ask-chatgpt">What do they mean by "energy agnostic?"</a> by Fiona Katauskas, The Point (August 2026)
<a href="https://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)
<a href="https://gas.australiainstitute.org.au/">Australia&rsquo;s gas giveaway</a>, the Australia Institute
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.

Profits are surging and living standards are not. Will the AI boom be any different?

Will the data centre “boom” make us better off?

Housing becoming more affordable

National Construction Code

Situation for renters

Migration is not causing the housing crisis

Real wages are falling

Housing solutions

Tax gas exports, pay for public housing

The government took on housing investor tax concessions to bring prices down, but more action is needed to address the rental affordability crisis.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Maiy Azize and Matt Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett to discuss how the government’s changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing are allowing more first-homebuyers to enter the market, the data revealing that migration isn’t the cause of the housing crisis, and the dire situation facing Australian renters.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 25 August.

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: Maiy Azize, Chair, Everybody’s Home & Deputy Director, Anglicare Australia // @maiyazize

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

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

Show notes:

Priced Out 2026, Everybody’s Home (August 2026)

The Coalition’s answer to the housing crisis is a race to the bottom by Maiy Azize, The Point (August 2026)

House prices are cooling, exposing a stubborn political narrative for what it is by Maiy Azize, The Point (July 2026)

No, the housing tax changes won’t push up rents by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (August 2026)

It could take until 2037 to recover from Australia’s real wage collapse by Greg Jericho, The Point (August 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.

The government took on housing investor tax concessions to bring prices down, but more action is needed to address the rental affordability crisis.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Maiy Azize and Matt Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett to discuss how the government&rsquo;s changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing are allowing more first-homebuyers to enter the market, the data revealing that migration isn&rsquo;t the cause of the housing crisis, and the dire situation facing Australian renters.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 25 August.
<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: Maiy Azize, Chair, Everybody&rsquo;s Home &amp; Deputy Director, Anglicare Australia // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/maiyazize.bsky.social">@maiyazize</a>
Guest: Matt Grunoff, 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://everybodyshome.com.au/rent-hikes-costing-renters-weeks-of-work-a-year/">Priced Out 2026</a>, Everybody&rsquo;s Home (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260819-the-coalitions-answer-to-the-housing-crisis-is-a-race-to-the-bottom">The Coalition&rsquo;s answer to the housing crisis is a race to the bottom</a> by Maiy Azize, The Point (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260728-house-prices-are-cooling-exposing-a-stubborn-political-narrative-for-what-it-is">House prices are cooling, exposing a stubborn political narrative for what it is</a> by Maiy Azize, The Point (July 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260818-no-the-housing-tax-changes-wont-push-up-rents">No, the housing tax changes won&rsquo;t push up rents</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260825-it-could-take-until-2037-to-recover-from-australias-real-wage-collapse">It could take until 2037 to recover from Australia&rsquo;s real wage collapse</a> by Greg Jericho, The Point (August 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.

The government took on housing investor tax concessions to bring prices down, but more action is needed to address the rental affordability crisis.

The housing crisis is far from over

The midterm primaries

Jon Ossoff getting to Trump

Democratic presidential hopefuls

Midterms: NOT NORMAL?

What might the midterms mean for an historically unpopular president?

On this episode of After America, Chas Licciardello joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the latest from the midterm primaries, the “civil war” between democratic socialist and establishment Democrats, and why Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff has MAGA rattled.

This episode was recorded Thursday 20 August.

Get your tickets for the Melbourne launch of More Fool Me: how the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss at Cinema Nova in Melbourne on Tuesday 25 August.

Guest: Chas Licciardello, co-host of PEP with Chas and Dr Dave & the ABC’s Planet America

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

Show notes:

New Game, New Rules by Allan Behm, Australia Institute Press (August 2026)

Shorter America: They're running?; Oh my god these men (cont.); The weight of America by Emma Shortis, The Point (August 2026)

Australia’s Gaza hypocrisy, After America, the Australia Institute on YouTube (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 (February 2025)

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.

What might the midterms mean for an historically unpopular president?
On this episode of After America, Chas Licciardello joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the latest from the midterm primaries, the &ldquo;civil war&rdquo; between democratic socialist and establishment Democrats, and why Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff has MAGA rattled.
This episode was recorded Thursday 20 August.
Get your tickets for <a href="https://www.readings.com.au/events/more-fool-me-by-richard-denniss">the Melbourne launch of More Fool Me: how the gas industry tricked Australia&nbsp;by&nbsp;Richard Denniss</a> at Cinema Nova in Melbourne on Tuesday 25 August.
Guest: Chas Licciardello, co-host of PEP with Chas and Dr Dave &amp; the ABC&rsquo;s Planet America
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://australiainstitute.org.au/store/new-game-new-rules">New Game, New Rules</a> by Allan Behm, Australia Institute Press (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/new/260821-shorter-america-this-week">Shorter America: They're running?; Oh my god these men (cont.); The weight of America</a> by Emma Shortis, The Point (August 2026)
<a href="https://youtu.be/azmE3B5xae4">Australia&rsquo;s Gaza hypocrisy</a>, After America, the Australia Institute on YouTube (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 (February 2025)
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.

What might the midterms mean for an historically unpopular president?

Will the midterms be NOT NORMAL? with Chas Licciardello

On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains how the crossbench works and the politics of deal-making in federal parliament.

This episode was recorded on Friday 21 August.

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:

Climate Integrity Summit 2026, the Australia Institute

National Gambling Toll, the Australia Institute

The case for a gas export tax, explained by Richard Denniss, The Point (March 2026)

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. 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 how the crossbench works and the politics of deal-making in federal parliament.
This episode was recorded on Friday 21 August.
<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/sydney-climate-integrity-summit-2026">Climate Integrity Summit 2026</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://gambling-toll.australiainstitute.org.au/">National Gambling Toll</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/explainers/260323-the-case-for-a-gas-export-tax-explained">The case for a gas export tax, explained</a> by Richard Denniss, The Point (March 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-safe-seat-fact-sheet/">There is no such thing as a safe seat | Fact sheet</a>, the Australia Institute (October 2024)
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 the crossbench?

New wages data

Gambling bill passes

Massive NDIS cuts

The latest data show real wages are going backwards, but Reserve Bank keeps seeing ghosts.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss another quarter of no “wage-price spiral”, plus the passage of massive NDIS cuts and gambling legislation through parliament.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 20 August 2026.

If this episode raised issues for you, you can call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free, professional and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or visit Gambling Help Online at www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.

If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or online at www.lifeline.org.au.

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:

Australia’s drop in real wages is a disaster. But the profits of major corporations are doing just fine by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026)

Polling – banning gambling advertisements, the Australia Institute (May 2026)

National Gambling Toll, the Australia Institute

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.

The latest data show real wages are going backwards, but Reserve Bank keeps seeing ghosts.
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss another quarter of no &ldquo;wage-price spiral&rdquo;, plus the passage of massive NDIS cuts and gambling legislation through parliament.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 20 August 2026.
If this episode raised issues for you, you can call the National Gambling Helpline on&nbsp;<a href="tel:1800858858">1800 858 858</a>&nbsp;for free, professional and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or visit Gambling Help Online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/">www.gamblinghelponline.org.au</a>.
If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline&nbsp;on 13 11 14 or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lifeline.org.au/">www.lifeline.org.au</a>.
<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://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/aug/19/australias-drop-in-real-wages-is-a-disaster-but-the-profits-of-major-corporations-are-doing-just-fine">Australia&rsquo;s drop in real wages is a disaster. But the profits of major corporations are doing just fine</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/polling-banning-gambling-advertising/">Polling &ndash; banning gambling advertisements</a>, the Australia Institute (May 2026)
<a href="https://gambling-toll.australiainstitute.org.au/">National Gambling Toll</a>, the Australia Institute
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.

The latest data show real wages are going backwards, but Reserve Bank keeps seeing ghosts.

Wage earners falling behind as major corporations rake it in

Big Gas' "confidence trick"

Economies don't have backbones

The role of governments

Criticisms and excuses

Australia's big opportunity to tax gas

Australians have been dudded by the gas industry. It’s past time governments admitted it.

Dr Richard Denniss, Australia Institute co-CEO and author of More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss why Australia gives away gas to multinational corporations and why similarly dud deals could happen with Big Tech and other industries if we don’t learn lessons from the past.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 18 August.

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

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

Show notes:

Australia’s gas giveaway, the Australia Institute

David Pocock, Greens call for investigation into $1.5 billion Middle Arm investment 'shrouded in secrecy' by Roxanne Fitzgerald, ABC News (August 2024)

What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute

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.

Australians have been dudded by the gas industry. It&rsquo;s past time governments admitted it.
Dr Richard Denniss, Australia Institute co-CEO and author of <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a>, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss why Australia gives away gas to multinational corporations and why similarly dud deals could happen with Big Tech and other industries if we don&rsquo;t learn lessons from the past.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 18 August.
<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: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/richarddenniss.bsky.social">@richarddenniss</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://gas.australiainstitute.org.au/">Australia&rsquo;s gas giveaway</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-22/middle-arm-industrial-precinct-nt-senate-inquiry-report-released/104250650">David Pocock, Greens call for investigation into $1.5 billion Middle Arm investment 'shrouded in secrecy'</a> by Roxanne Fitzgerald, ABC News (August 2024)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/news/category/podcasts/whats-the-point/">What&rsquo;s the Point? with Richard Denniss</a>, the Australia Institute
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.

Australians have been dudded by the gas industry. It’s past time governments admitted it.

How the gas industry tricked Australia with Richard Denniss

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

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

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