House prices fall slightly, media loses mind

Political reaction to the changes

Migration hasn't caused the housing crisis

Negative equity & the 5% deposit scheme

'Widow's tax'?

Final thoughts

Some in the media are treating it like the beginning of a housing apocalypse, but a slight drop in house prices shows that the government’s housing investor tax reforms are doing their job.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Matt Grudnoff joins Elinor discuss the positive impact of the government’s changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, why migration hasn’t caused the housing crisis, and concerns about negative equity and grandfathering of the policies.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 2 July 2026.

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

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

Show notes:

No, rents won’t increase by $2,000 a year because of changes to negative gearing by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (June 2026)

It may be time to calm the farm on falling house prices by Greg Jericho, The Point (June 2026)

The housing reforms are cooling investor demand and slowing the market. That's the point by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (June 2026)

The CGT discount, not a lack of supply, is driving house prices up by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (June 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.

Some in the media are treating it like the beginning of a housing apocalypse, but a slight drop in house prices shows that the government&rsquo;s housing investor tax reforms are doing their job.
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Matt Grudnoff joins Elinor discuss the positive impact of the government&rsquo;s changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, why migration hasn&rsquo;t caused the housing crisis, and concerns about negative equity and grandfathering of the policies.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 2 July 2026.
Host:&nbsp;Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mattgrudnoff.bsky.social">@mattgrudnoff</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/off-the-charts/260622-no-rents-wont-increase-by-2000-a-year-because-of-changes-to-negative-gearing">No, rents won&rsquo;t increase by $2,000 a year because of changes to negative gearing</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (June 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260622-it-may-be-time-to-calm-the-farm-on-falling-house-prices">It may be time to calm the farm on falling house prices</a> by Greg Jericho, The Point (June 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260616-the-housing-reforms-are-cooling-investor-demand-and-slowing-the-market-thats-the-point">The housing reforms are cooling investor demand and slowing the market. That's the point</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (June 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260417-the-cgt-discount-not-a-lack-of-supply-is-driving-house-prices-up">The CGT discount, not a lack of supply, is driving house prices up</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (June 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.

Some in the media are treating it like the beginning of a housing apocalypse, but a slight drop in house prices shows that the government’s housing investor tax reforms are doing their job.

BREAKING: Housing slightly more affordable

Understanding the safeguard mechanism

Dodgy offsets

Impediments to stronger climate action

Government review of the scheme

Australia’s flagship climate policy is failing to drive actual emission reductions.

On this episode of Follow the Money, the authors of new Australia Institute research, Dr Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, join Glenn Connley to discuss the major failures of the Safeguard Mechanism, the dodgy “carbon offsets” at the heart the scheme, and what can be done to drive down emissions.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 23 June.

Guest: Fergus Green, co-author of ‘Safeguarding the fossil fuel industry?’ and Associate Professor, University College London // @fergusgreen

Guest: Frances Medlock, co-author of ‘Safeguarding the fossil fuel industry?’ and policy and law reform lawyer

Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley

Show notes:

Safeguarding the Fossil Fuel Industry? How Carbon Offsetting Undermines the Safeguard Mechanism by Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, the Australia Institute (June 2026)

The dodgy, so-called “offsets” that undermine Australia’s central climate policy by Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, The Point (June 2026)

Koalas Covering for Coal? Dirty Forest Offset Plan Would Mean More Fossil Fuels, the Australia Institute (June 2026)

Giant gas project earns $90m in ‘free’ carbon offsets by Ryan Cropp, Australian Financial Review (June 2026)

Here are 23 Times Carbon Offsets Were Found to be Dodgy, the Australia Institute (January 2024)

World’s biggest miner BHP backtracks on climate action with key projects put on ice, leaked documents reveal by Christopher Knaus and Adam Morton, Guardian Australia (May 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.

Australia&rsquo;s flagship climate policy is failing to drive actual emission reductions.
On this episode of Follow the Money, the authors of new Australia Institute research, Dr Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, join Glenn Connley to discuss the major failures of the Safeguard Mechanism, the dodgy &ldquo;carbon offsets&rdquo; at the heart the scheme, and what can be done to drive down emissions.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 23 June.
Guest: Fergus Green, co-author of &lsquo;Safeguarding the fossil fuel industry?&rsquo; and Associate Professor, University College London // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/fergusgreen.bsky.social">@fergusgreen</a>
Guest: Frances Medlock, co-author of &lsquo;Safeguarding the fossil fuel industry?&rsquo; and policy and law reform lawyer
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/glennconnley.bsky.social">@glennconnley</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/safeguarding-the-fossil-fuel-industry/">Safeguarding the Fossil Fuel Industry? How Carbon Offsetting Undermines the Safeguard Mechanism</a> by Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, the Australia Institute (June 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260625-the-dodgy-so-called-offsets-that-undermine-australias-central-climate-policy">The dodgy, so-called &ldquo;offsets&rdquo; that undermine Australia&rsquo;s central climate policy</a> by Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, The Point (June 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/koalas-covering-for-coal-dirty-forest-offset-plan-would-mean-more-fossil-fuels/">Koalas Covering for Coal? Dirty Forest Offset Plan Would Mean More Fossil Fuels</a>, the Australia Institute (June 2026)
<a href="https://www.afr.com/policy/energy-and-climate/giant-gas-project-earns-90m-in-free-carbon-offsets-20260619-p608hc">Giant gas project earns $90m in &lsquo;free&rsquo; carbon offsets</a> by Ryan Cropp, Australian Financial Review (June 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/here-are-23-times-carbon-offsets-were-found-to-be-dodgy-2/">Here are 23 Times Carbon Offsets Were Found to be Dodgy</a>, the Australia Institute (January 2024)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/25/bhp-files-leak-mining-company-climate-action">World&rsquo;s biggest miner BHP backtracks on climate action with key projects put on ice, leaked documents reveal</a> by Christopher Knaus and Adam Morton, Guardian Australia (May 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.

Australia’s flagship climate policy is failing to drive actual emission reductions.

The Safeguard Mechanism is failing miserably

Trump's Iran "peace" "deal"

JD Vance leads negotiations, writes Communion

Lessons for the US & Iran

Sir Keir resigns, far-right challenges, Britis

European views of Trump's America

Trump’s “peace” “deal” with Iran is already falling apart.

On this episode of After America, Allan Behm joins Angus Blackman to discuss the negotiations between the United States and Iran, where it all went wrong for British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and European views of Trump’s America.

This episode was recorded live on Friday 26 June.

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

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

Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @AngusRB

Show notes:

How will Australia pay for AUKUS? Submission to AUKUS Public Inquiry by Rod Campbell, Richard Denniss and Jack Thrower, the Australia Institute (June 2026)

The Iran Disaster Is an Opportunity to Turn Away From Hawkish Idiocy and Reset Our Relationship With the Region by Matt Duss, The Nation (June 2026)

Wong and Marles were left waiting in the wings in London – it’s further proof Aukus was never anything more than a political stunt by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (June 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.

Trump&rsquo;s &ldquo;peace&rdquo; &ldquo;deal&rdquo; with Iran is already falling apart.
On this episode of After America, Allan Behm joins Angus Blackman to discuss the negotiations between the United States and Iran, where it all went wrong for British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and European views of Trump&rsquo;s America.
This episode was recorded live on Friday 26 June.
Support the research powerful interests fear. <a href="https://theaus.in/3Q70UxN">Make a tax-deductible donation</a> to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Guest: Allan Behm, Special Advisor, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute
Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/angusrb.bsky.social">@AngusRB</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/how-will-australia-pay-for-aukus/">How will Australia pay for AUKUS? Submission to AUKUS Public Inquiry</a> by Rod Campbell, Richard Denniss and Jack Thrower, the Australia Institute (June 2026)
<a href="https://www.thenation.com/article/world/iran-war-trump-netanyahu-us-foreign-policy-middle-east-diplomacy/">The Iran Disaster Is an Opportunity to Turn Away From Hawkish Idiocy and Reset Our Relationship With the Region</a> by Matt Duss, The Nation (June 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/16/uk-defence-minister-john-healey-resignation-wong-marles-aukus-exposed-political-stunt">Wong and Marles were left waiting in the wings in London &ndash; it&rsquo;s further proof Aukus was never anything more than a political stunt</a> by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (June 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.

Trump’s “peace” “deal” with Iran is already falling apart.

My Iran deal is better than yours [citation needed]

On the first episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses the reasons behind One Nation grabbing the headlines, why it is highly unlikely Pauline Hanson will be Prime Minister after the next election and what the current Prime Minister can do to turn things around for Labor.

Host: Dr Richard Denniss, Co-CEO, The Australia Institute

On the first episode of What&rsquo;s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses the reasons behind One Nation grabbing the headlines, why it is highly unlikely Pauline Hanson will be Prime Minister after the next election and what the current Prime Minister can do to turn things around for Labor.
Host: Dr Richard Denniss, Co-CEO, The Australia Institute

What’s the Point of One Nation?

Headline inflation is down

The 'no Gregs' club

PHON, paid parental leave & barriers to work

Capital gains tax changes pass

Plus: how the One Nation leader got all tangled up over childcare and paid parental leave.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss Pauline Hanson’s comments on paid parental leave and childcare, the latest inflation data, the passage of the government’s capital gains tax and negative gearing changes, and the new ‘no Gregs’ club.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 25 June 2026.

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

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

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

Show notes:

Capital gains tax changes are already having an impact on wealth inequality – and vested interests are running scared by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (June 2026)

Housing concentrated in the hands of a few investors as young people are locked out by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (June 2026)

Caring for children is the major barrier to work for women by Greg Jericho and staff writers, The Point (June 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.

Plus: how the One Nation leader got all tangled up over childcare and paid parental leave.
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss Pauline Hanson&rsquo;s comments on paid parental leave and childcare, the latest inflation data, the passage of the government&rsquo;s capital gains tax and negative gearing changes, and the new &lsquo;no Gregs&rsquo; club.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 25 June 2026.
Support the research powerful interests fear. <a href="Plus:%20how%20the%20One%20Nation%20leader%20got%20all%20tangled%20up%20over%20childcare%20and%20paid%20parental%20leave.">Make a tax-deductible donation</a> to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
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/jun/25/capital-gains-tax-changes-auction-prices-results-wealth-inequality">Capital gains tax changes are already having an impact on wealth inequality &ndash; and vested interests are running scared</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (June 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260619-housing-concentrated-in-the-hands-of-a-few-investors-as-young-people-are-locked-out">Housing concentrated in the hands of a few investors as young people are locked out</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (June 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260624-caring-for-children-is-the-major-barrier-to-work-for-women">Caring for children is the major barrier to work for women</a> by Greg Jericho and staff writers, The Point (June 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.

Plus: how the One Nation leader got all tangled up over childcare and paid parental leave.

Inflation falls, tax changes pass & Greg loses his fancy parking spot

Failed South Australian legislation

Influence of US politics

Australians' views on abortion

Australian politics

Improving care

Australians overwhelmingly support access to abortion care – but there’s a resurgence in anti-abortion politics underway.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Amy Remeikis and Hamdi Jama join Ebony Bennett to discuss the resurgence of anti-abortion politics in Australia, failed legislation in South Australia seeking to restrict late-term abortion, and the influence of far-right politics in the United States and United Kingdom on Australia.

This episode was recorded on Friday 19 June.

Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute

Guest: Hamdi Jama, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the Australia Institute

Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

Show notes:

Abortion Access in South Australia by Hamdi Jama and Ebony Bennett, the Australia Institute (June 2026)

Overwhelming support for abortion access, despite election rhetoric: new poll, the Australia Institute (March 2026)

Saving women? Spare me. This is hatred of women at its heart by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (June 2026)

Don’t be fooled, there’s nothing ‘reasonable’ about these rebooted abortion battles by Amy Remeikis, The Point (June 2026)

One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts says he will push for party to adopt blanket abortion ban by Tory Shepherd, Guardian Australia (June 2026)

Image of ‘twin babies’ used by anti-abortion activist appears to show sugar gliders by Tory Shepherd, Guardian Australia (May 2026)

One Nation’s anti‑abortion turn shows MAGA’s creeping power in Australia by Prudence Flowers, The Conversation (June 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.

Australians overwhelmingly support access to abortion care &ndash; but there&rsquo;s a resurgence in anti-abortion politics underway.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Amy Remeikis and Hamdi Jama join Ebony Bennett to discuss the resurgence of anti-abortion politics in Australia, failed legislation in South Australia seeking to restrict late-term abortion, and the influence of far-right politics in the United States and United Kingdom on Australia.
This episode was recorded on Friday 19 June.
Guest:&nbsp;Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute
Guest: Hamdi Jama, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the Australia Institute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute
Support the research powerful interests fear. <a href="https://theaus.in/3RR3KYd">Make a tax-deductible donation</a> to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Show notes:
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/abortion-access-in-south-australia/">Abortion Access in South Australia</a> by Hamdi Jama and Ebony Bennett, the Australia Institute (June 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/overwhelming-support-for-abortion-access-despite-election-rhetoric-new-poll/">Overwhelming support for abortion access, despite election rhetoric: new poll</a>, the Australia Institute (March 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/saving-women-spare-me-this-is-hatred-of-women-at-its-heart/">Saving women? Spare me. This is hatred of women at its heart</a> by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (June 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260604-dont-be-fooled-theres-nothing-reasonable-about-these-rebooted-abortion-battles">Don&rsquo;t be fooled, there&rsquo;s nothing &lsquo;reasonable&rsquo; about these rebooted abortion battles</a> by Amy Remeikis, The Point (June 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/18/one-nation-abortion-policy-senator-malcolm-roberts-ntwnfb">One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts says he will push for party to adopt blanket abortion ban</a> by Tory Shepherd, Guardian Australia (June 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/27/anti-abortion-activist-joanna-howe-twin-babies-image-likely-to-show-sugar-gliders-ntwnfb">Image of &lsquo;twin babies&rsquo; used by anti-abortion activist appears to show sugar gliders</a> by Tory Shepherd, Guardian Australia (May 2026)
<a href="https://theconversation.com/one-nations-anti-abortion-turn-shows-magas-creeping-power-in-australia-284545">One Nation&rsquo;s anti‑abortion turn shows MAGA&rsquo;s creeping power</a> in Australia by Prudence Flowers, The Conversation (June 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.

Australians overwhelmingly support access to abortion care – but there’s a resurgence in anti-abortion politics underway.

Australians overwhelmingly back abortion access, but the politics are getting more toxic

World Cup controversies

Price gouging & corporate power in America

Iran, the US economy & redirecting blame

America 250 celebrations

With the men’s football world cup underway and after a UFC event on the White House lawn, the relationship between sport and politics seems especially close in the United States right now.

On this episode of After America, Dr Lindsay Owens joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss World Cup ticket pricing, the consolidation of corporate power in Trump’s America, the impact of the war on Iran on the US economy, and fighting back against efforts to use misinformation about the economy to demonise migrants.

This episode was recorded live on Thursday 11 June.

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

Guest: Lindsay Owens, Executive Director, Groundwork Collaborative // @lindsayowens

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

Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @AngusRB

Show notes:

Shorter America: America's best writers; Empire of white supremacy; Empire of toxic masculinity by Emma Shortis, The Point (June 2026)

Gouged: The End of a Fair Price – and What That Means for Your Wallet by Lindsay Owens, Penguin Random House (forthcoming)

As Summer Kicks Off, Memorial Day Staples Up 13% on Average and Travel Prices Soar, Groundwork Collaborative and The Century Foundation (May 2026)

It’s not me, it’s you – Australians ready to break up with Trump’s America, the Australia Institute (May 2026)

Trump’s tragedy: the US becomes an autocracy and the presidency, a dictatorship by Emma Shortis, the Australia Institute (October 2025)

Homeland Security deploys white nationalist, anti-immigrant graphics to recruit by Caleb Kieffer and RG Cravens, Southern Poverty Law Center (August 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.

With the men&rsquo;s football world cup underway and after a UFC event on the White House lawn, the relationship between sport and politics seems especially close in the United States right now.
On this episode of After America, Dr Lindsay Owens joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss World Cup ticket pricing, the consolidation of corporate power in Trump&rsquo;s America, the impact of the war on Iran on the US economy, and fighting back against efforts to use misinformation about the economy to demonise migrants.
This episode was recorded live on Thursday 11 June.
Support the research powerful interests fear. <a href="https://theaus.in/3Q70UxN">Make a tax-deductible donation</a> to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Guest: Lindsay Owens, Executive Director, Groundwork Collaborative // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/lindsayowens.bsky.social">@lindsayowens</a>
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis.bsky.social">@emmashortis</a>
Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/angusrb.bsky.social">@AngusRB</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/new/260619-shorter-america-this-week">Shorter America: America's best writers; Empire of white supremacy; Empire of toxic masculinity</a> by Emma Shortis, The Point (June 2026)
<a href="https://gougedbook.com/">Gouged: The End of a Fair Price &ndash; and What That Means for Your Wallet</a> by Lindsay Owens, Penguin Random House (forthcoming)
<a href="https://groundworkcollaborative.org/work/as-summer-kicks-off-memorial-day-staples-up-13-on-average-and-travel-prices-soar/">As Summer Kicks Off, Memorial Day Staples Up 13% on Average and Travel Prices Soar</a>, Groundwork Collaborative and The Century Foundation (May 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/its-not-me-its-you-australians-ready-to-break-up-with-trumps-america/">It&rsquo;s not me, it&rsquo;s you &ndash; Australians ready to break up with Trump&rsquo;s America</a>, the Australia Institute (May 2026)
<a href="https://theconversation.com/trumps-tragedy-the-us-becomes-an-autocracy-and-the-presidency-a-dictatorship-266675">Trump&rsquo;s tragedy: the US becomes an autocracy and the presidency, a dictatorship</a> by Emma Shortis, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
<a href="https://www.splcenter.org/resources/hatewatch/dhs-white-nationalist-anti-immigrant-social-media/">Homeland Security deploys white nationalist, anti-immigrant graphics to recruit</a> by Caleb Kieffer and RG Cravens, Southern Poverty Law Center (August 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.

With the men’s football world cup underway and after a UFC event on the White House lawn, the relationship between sport and politics seems especially close in the United States right now.

This World Cup shows who holds the cards in Trump’s economy

Rates kept on hold

Capital gains tax changes

ATO data dump aka economists' Christmas

A new data drop by the Australian Tax Office has A) brought Greg great joy and B) shed new light on Australians’ incomes.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the latest interest rates decision, Greg and Matt Grudnoff’s field trip to a Senate committee, and why one newspaper is running a front-page story about Pokémon card collectors and capital gains.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 18 June 2026.

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

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

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

Show notes:

The bleak view that unemployment needs to rise shows the RBA acts firstly in the interests of companies, not workers by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (June 2026)

Ninety millionaires paid no tax in 2023–24. New ATO data shows why tax reform matters by Greg Jericho & Matt Grudnoff, The Point (June 2026)

The housing reforms are cooling investor demand and slowing the market. That's the point by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (June 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.

A new data drop by the Australian Tax Office has A) brought Greg great joy and B) shed new light on Australians&rsquo; incomes.
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the latest interest rates decision, Greg and Matt Grudnoff&rsquo;s field trip to a Senate committee, and why one newspaper is running a front-page story about Pok&eacute;mon card collectors and capital gains.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 18 June 2026.
Support the research powerful interests fear. <a href="https://theaus.in/430U1Rv">Make a tax-deductible donation</a> to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
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/jun/18/unemployment-australia-rba-reserve-bank-inflation-companies">The bleak view that unemployment needs to rise shows the RBA acts firstly in the interests of companies, not workers</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (June 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260618-ninety-one-millionaires-paid-no-tax-in-2023-24-new-ato-data-shows-why-tax-reform-matters">Ninety millionaires paid no tax in 2023&ndash;24. New ATO data shows why tax reform matters</a> by Greg Jericho &amp; Matt Grudnoff, The Point (June 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260616-the-housing-reforms-are-cooling-investor-demand-and-slowing-the-market-thats-the-point">The housing reforms are cooling investor demand and slowing the market. That's the point</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (June 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.

A new data drop by the Australian Tax Office has A) brought Greg great joy and B) shed new light on Australians’ incomes.

What is 'middle income' in Australia?

Gas tax plebiscite

Australia's dud deal on gas

Government's gas reservation policy

How you can have your say

Join tens of thousands of Australians calling for a national plebiscite on a 25% gas export tax.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Rod Campbell join Ebony Bennett to discuss Australia’s dud deal on gas and the Australia Institute’s new petition calling on the government to hold a plebiscite on a gas export tax.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 16 June.

Sign the petition calling for a national plebiscite on a 25% Gas Export Tax.

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

Guest: Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute //@leanneminshull

Guest: Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @rodcampbell

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

Show notes:

Let the People Decide: The Case for a Gas Export Tax Plebiscite, Australia Institute webinar (19 June 2026)

Australia's Gas Giveaway, the Australia Institute

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

Polling – gas tax and WA, the Australia Institute (April 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.

Join tens of thousands of Australians calling for a national plebiscite on a 25% gas export tax.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Rod Campbell join Ebony Bennett to discuss Australia&rsquo;s dud deal on gas and the Australia Institute&rsquo;s new petition calling on the government to hold a plebiscite on a gas export tax.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 16 June.
<a href="https://gas-plebiscite.australiainstitute.org.au/">Sign the petition</a> calling for a national plebiscite on a 25% Gas Export Tax.
Support the research powerful interests fear. <a href="https://theaus.in/3RR3KYd">Make a tax-deductible donation</a> to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Guest: Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/leanneminshull.bsky.social">@leanneminshull</a>
Guest: Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/rodcampbell.bsky.social">@rodcampbell</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://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/let_the_people_decide_the_case_for_a_gas_export_tax_plebiscite">Let the People Decide: The Case for a Gas Export Tax Plebiscite</a>, Australia Institute webinar (19 June 2026)
<a href="https://gas.australiainstitute.org.au/">Australia's Gas Giveaway</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="http://australiainstitute.org.au/report/polling-gas-tax-and-wa/">Polling &ndash; gas tax and WA</a>, the Australia Institute (April 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.

Join tens of thousands of Australians calling for a national plebiscite on a 25% gas export tax.

Gas tax: let the people decide

The war on Iran

The Trump administration & Cuba

Democrats & opposition to Trump

A progressive approach to alliances

Donald Trump pledged to reach a better deal with Iran than the Obama administration negotiated in 2015. He hasn’t – and probably won’t.

On this episode of After America, foreign policy analyst Matt Duss and Dr Emma Shortis discuss the war on Iran, what the administration might be planning with regards to Cuba, the UFC fight on the White House lawn, and what a more progressive Australia-US alliance could look like.

This episode was recorded live on Friday 12 June.

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

Guest: Matt Duss, Executive Vice President, Center for International Policy // @mattduss

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

Show notes:

Shorter America: Alliances crumble; White supremacy at home and abroad; History matters (always) by Emma Shortis, The Point (June 2026)

What’s the Left’s Vision for Foreign Policy After Trump?, The Ezra Klein Show (June 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 After America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Donald Trump pledged to reach a better deal with Iran than the Obama administration negotiated in 2015. He hasn&rsquo;t &ndash; and probably won&rsquo;t.
On this episode of After America, foreign policy analyst Matt Duss and Dr Emma Shortis discuss the war on Iran, what the administration might be planning with regards to Cuba, the UFC fight on the White House lawn, and what a more progressive Australia-US alliance could look like.
This episode was recorded live on Friday 12 June.
Support the research powerful interests fear. <a href="https://theaus.in/3Q70UxN">Make a tax-deductible donation</a> to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Guest: Matt Duss, Executive Vice President, Center for International Policy // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mattduss.bsky.social">@mattduss</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://thepoint.com.au/news/260612-shorter-america-this-week">Shorter America: Alliances crumble; White supremacy at home and abroad; History matters (always)</a> by Emma Shortis, The Point (June 2026)
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wmj9mJYUQpAfNxpgUSHUA?si=5760164d52bd464b">What&rsquo;s the Left&rsquo;s Vision for Foreign Policy After Trump?</a>, The Ezra Klein Show (June 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 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.

Donald Trump pledged to reach a better deal with Iran than the Obama administration negotiated in 2015. He hasn’t – and probably won’t.

Trump says the war on Iran is over. Is it really?

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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