Is it time for a radical rethink of how we fund retirement in Australia? 

Currently, Australia’s pension system excludes the family home from asset testing—meaning a retiree living in a multi-million dollar mansion can claim the same support as a renter with nothing. But a bold new proposal from the Policy Institute Australia is making waves, suggesting a "HECS-style" scheme could save the taxpayer $21 billion a year.

We’re joined by Policy Institute Australia CEO Amy Auster to discuss the controversial Home Truths report. We’re breaking down the "Retirement Contribution Scheme" (ReCS): a HECS-style, interest-free loan that would allow retirees to draw down on their home equity for cash flow, to be repaid only when the home is sold.

Is it time for a radical rethink of how we fund retirement in Australia?&nbsp;
Currently, Australia&rsquo;s pension system excludes the family home from asset testing&mdash;meaning a retiree living in a multi-million dollar mansion can claim the same support as a renter with nothing. But a bold new proposal from the Policy Institute Australia is making waves, suggesting a "HECS-style" scheme could save the taxpayer $21 billion a year.
We&rsquo;re joined by Policy Institute Australia CEO Amy Auster to discuss the controversial Home Truths report. We&rsquo;re breaking down the "Retirement Contribution Scheme" (ReCS): a HECS-style, interest-free loan that would allow retirees to draw down on their home equity for cash flow, to be repaid only when the home is sold.

Join Brent Bultitude every weekend for lively chats with industry insiders and special guests! Covering the latest trends and exciting topics, it's your go-to for fresh insights and fun conversations.

Tune in for your weekend fix of thought-provoking conversation!

Join&nbsp;Brent Bultitude&nbsp;every weekend for lively chats with industry insiders and special guests! Covering the latest trends and exciting topics, it's your go-to for fresh insights and fun conversations.
Tune in for your weekend fix of thought-provoking conversation!

Afternoons with Brent Bultitude

Brent’s Business background and personality are fundamental to asking the right people the right questions with interviews, the latest news, quizzes, music and your calls on 13 12 69.

Plus Brent interviews many more people that are going to tell us what’s going from stories in the news to the things you care about.

Brent&rsquo;s Business background and personality are fundamental to asking the right people the right questions with interviews, the latest news, quizzes, music and your calls on 13 12 69. Plus Brent interviews many more people that are going to tell us what&rsquo;s going from stories in the news to the things you care about.

Brent Bultitude Podcast

The Great Pension Shake-up – Is a 'HECS-Style' Loan the Future?

Is Australia’s nicotine habit evolving right under our noses?

Recent data from our nation’s wastewater treatment plants has revealed a surprising trend: despite long-standing efforts to curb smoking, total nicotine levels are not falling—and in some areas, they’re on the rise. But is this a resurgence in traditional smoking, or are we witnessing a massive, hidden "vaping boom"?

We’re joined by Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver, a leading respiratory expert from the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. We’re diving deep into the science of wastewater surveillance to understand why it’s so difficult to pinpoint where that nicotine is coming from.

From the rise of synthetic nicotine and illicit imports to the "Wild West" of the unregulated vaping market.

Whether you're curious about the science or concerned about the public health implications, this is the clear-eyed look at the "vaping mystery" you’ve been waiting for.

Is Australia&rsquo;s nicotine habit evolving right under our noses?
Recent data from our nation&rsquo;s wastewater treatment plants has revealed a surprising trend: despite long-standing efforts to curb smoking, total nicotine levels are not falling&mdash;and in some areas, they&rsquo;re on the rise. But is this a resurgence in traditional smoking, or are we witnessing a massive, hidden "vaping boom"?
We&rsquo;re joined by Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver, a leading respiratory expert from the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. We&rsquo;re diving deep into the science of wastewater surveillance to understand why it&rsquo;s so difficult to pinpoint where that nicotine is coming from.
From the rise of synthetic nicotine and illicit imports to the "Wild West" of the unregulated vaping market.
Whether you're curious about the science or concerned about the public health implications, this is the clear-eyed look at the "vaping mystery" you&rsquo;ve been waiting for.

The Vaping Mystery – What Our Wastewater Is Really Telling Us

Is the gambling industry's massive shake-up a genuine reform or just moving the goalposts?

We’re joined by Adam Creighton, Chief Economist at the Institute of Public Affairs, to break down the economic stories shaping Australia this week. From a fundamental overhaul of wagering advertising to the "double squeeze" hitting university students, we’re cutting through the headlines to see who really wins and who pays the price.


The Gambling Overhaul: With major ad bans starting in 2027, we look at the compliance burden on media and whether this will actually curb gambling or just shift it elsewhere.


The Student Squeeze: We analyze the 29% surge in living costs for uni students and ask if our current funding model is pricing an entire generation out of their degrees.


Amazon vs. The ACCC: Why has the consumer watchdog taken the streaming giant to Federal Court? We discuss the "unfair" contract terms that have millions of Prime subscribers up in arms.

Is the gambling industry's massive shake-up a genuine reform or just moving the goalposts?
We&rsquo;re joined by&nbsp;Adam Creighton, Chief Economist at the Institute of Public Affairs, to break down the economic stories shaping Australia this week. From a fundamental overhaul of wagering advertising to the "double squeeze" hitting university students, we&rsquo;re cutting through the headlines to see who really wins and who pays the price.
<ul data-path-to-node="4">
<li>
The Gambling Overhaul: With major ad bans starting in 2027, we look at the compliance burden on media and whether this will actually curb gambling or just shift it elsewhere.
</li>
<li>
The Student Squeeze: We analyze the 29% surge in living costs for uni students and ask if our current funding model is pricing an entire generation out of their degrees.
</li>
<li>
Amazon vs. The ACCC: Why has the consumer watchdog taken the streaming giant to Federal Court? We discuss the "unfair" contract terms that have millions of Prime subscribers up in arms.
</li>
</ul>

The Economic Outlook with Adam Creighton: Big Money, Big Moves, and Big Tech

Are the Opposition’s poll numbers in freefall, or is there a path back to the top? 

In this special Wednesday edition of The Morrison Brief, Brent is joined by veteran broadcaster Jason Morrison to cut through the political noise and get to the heart of what’s really happening in Canberra.

We’re putting the current polling trends under the microscope. While every survey tells a different story, the downward slide for the Opposition is undeniable. Jason and Brent look at the historical precedents—have parties recovered from numbers this low before, or is the political landscape shifting in ways we haven’t seen?

Also in this episode:


Tax Cut Reality Check: As the July 1st changes hit bank accounts, we ask: is this genuine cost-of-living relief or just political spin?


The Economy at Home: A deep dive into the pressures of housing affordability and persistent inflation.

If you’re trying to make sense of the current political climate, don’t miss this breakdown.

Are the Opposition&rsquo;s poll numbers in freefall, or is there a path back to the top?&nbsp;
In this special Wednesday edition of The Morrison Brief, Brent is joined by veteran broadcaster Jason Morrison to cut through the political noise and get to the heart of what&rsquo;s really happening in Canberra.
We&rsquo;re putting the current polling trends under the microscope. While every survey tells a different story, the downward slide for the Opposition is undeniable. Jason and Brent look at the historical precedents&mdash;have parties recovered from numbers this low before, or is the political landscape shifting in ways we haven&rsquo;t seen?
Also in this episode:
<ul data-path-to-node="5">
<li>
Tax Cut Reality Check: As the July 1st changes hit bank accounts, we ask: is this genuine cost-of-living relief or just political spin?
</li>
<li>
The Economy at Home: A deep dive into the pressures of housing affordability and persistent inflation.
</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;re trying to make sense of the current political climate, don&rsquo;t miss this breakdown.

The Great Pension Shake-up – Is a 'HECS-Style' Loan the Future?

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