Introducing The Australia Institute's new podcast series, What's the Point? with Richard Denniss.

Subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

***

On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses how global gas industry has pulled off the greatest con in Australia’s history, and why Australians are living with the consequences. He spells out the simple steps we need to take to fix it. 

This episode was recorded on Friday 10 July.

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

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

Show notes:

A National Plebiscite for a 25% Gas Export Tax, the Australia Institute

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, Australia Institute Press (forthcoming)

Climate Integrity Summit 2026 tickets

For more research and analysis, visit The Point.

Introducing The Australia Institute's new podcast series, What's the Point? with Richard Denniss.
Subscribe to&nbsp;the show&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>&nbsp;or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
***
On this episode of What&rsquo;s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses how global gas industry has pulled off the greatest con in Australia&rsquo;s history, and why Australians are living with the consequences. He spells out the simple steps we need to take to fix it.  This episode was recorded on Friday 10 July. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang
Show notes: <a href="https://gas-plebiscite.australiainstitute.org.au/">A National Plebiscite for a 25% Gas Export Tax</a>, the Australia Institute <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, Australia Institute Press (forthcoming) <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-climate-integrity-summit-2026?c=website">Climate Integrity Summit 2026 tickets</a> For more research and analysis, visit <a href="https://thepoint.com.au/">The Point.</a>

Economic data can tell us a lot about what's happening the economy and society, but it's easy to get lost in data. Dollars and Sense dives into the latest economic figures to explain how they impact you and what they tell us about the state of the Australian economy, with host Greg Jericho, Chief Economist at the Australia Institute and the Centre for Future Work and popular columnist of Grogonomics with Guardian Australia.

Economic data can tell us a lot about what's happening the economy and society, but it's easy to get lost in data. Dollars and Sense dives into the latest economic figures to explain how they impact you and what they tell us about the state of the Australian economy, with host Greg Jericho, Chief Economist at the Australia Institute and the Centre for Future Work and popular columnist of Grogonomics with Guardian Australia.

Dollars & Sense

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

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

Australia Matters

Dollars & Sense demystifies the latest economic figures, how they impact you and what they can tell us about the economy, with host with Greg Jericho, Chief Economist at the Australia Institute and Centre for Future Work, and author of Guardian Australia's Grogonomics column.  

Dollars &amp; Sense demystifies the latest economic figures, how they impact you and what they can tell us about the economy, with host with Greg Jericho, Chief Economist at the Australia Institute and Centre for Future Work, and author of Guardian Australia's Grogonomics column.

Introducing The Australia Institute's new podcast series, What's the Point? with Richard Denniss.

BONUS | What's the point of a gas export tax?

Gas at the ALP national conference

Tariff corner 

Job service providers

Despite no action on a gas export tax in the government’s May budget, calls are growing louder for a fair return on Australia’s resources from within the Labor Party.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg returns! He and Elinor discuss the ALP National Conference in Adelaide, the economic impact of the ongoing American war on Iran, and the failures of Australia’s privatised employment services system.

This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 22 July 2026.

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

Pressure is growing inside Labor to properly tax gas exports. Here’s what a 25% tax could pay for by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (July 2026)

'The time has arrived' to review gas exports tax: Bill Shorten, The Point (July 2026)

Australia's jobseeker system fails workers and enriches millionaires, report says by Gareth Hutchens, ABC News (July 2026)

Who’s rorting who? The failure of outsourced job services, Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (July 2026)

Christopher Nolan finds the 'complicated man' at the heart of The Odyssey by Greg Jericho, The Point (July 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.

Despite no action on a gas export tax in the government&rsquo;s May budget, calls are growing louder for a fair return on Australia&rsquo;s resources from within the Labor Party.
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg returns! He and Elinor discuss the ALP National Conference in Adelaide, the economic impact of the ongoing American war on Iran, and the failures of Australia&rsquo;s privatised employment services system.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 22 July 2026.
Pre-order <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. 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/jul/23/gas-exports-tax-pressure-growing-inside-labor-alp-conference">Pressure is growing inside Labor to properly tax gas exports. Here&rsquo;s what a 25% tax could pay for</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (July 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/new/the-time-has-arrived-to-review-gas-exports-tax-bill-shorten">'The time has arrived' to review gas exports tax: Bill Shorten</a>, The Point (July 2026)
<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-21/private-equity-profits-as-job-system-fails-workers-report-finds/106920430">Australia's jobseeker system fails workers and enriches millionaires, report says</a> by Gareth Hutchens, ABC News (July 2026)
<a href="https://cictar.org/all-research/aus/jobs">Who&rsquo;s rorting who? The failure of outsourced job services</a>, Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (July 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260618-christopher-nolan-finds-the-complicated-man-at-the-heart-of-the-odyssey">Christopher Nolan finds the 'complicated man' at the heart of The Odyssey</a> by Greg Jericho, The Point (July 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.

Despite no action on a gas export tax in the government’s May budget, calls are growing louder for a fair return on Australia’s resources from within the Labor Party.

Labor contemplates a "fairer return" for Australia's resources

Albanese's AI speech

Parallels with the gas industry

The problems with data centres

Barnaby's vision for the RBA

The Bank of Pauline

The tech industry talks about huge investment in Australia. That sounds great, but who’ll actually benefit?

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Matt Grudnoff joins Elinor to discuss Anthony Albanese’s speech on artificial intelligence, lessons for data centre regulation from Australia’s experience with the gas industry, Barnaby Joyce’s vision for the Reserve Bank, and Matt’s guide to voodoo.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 16 July 2026.

Pre-order More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

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

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

Show notes:

The PM has pledged to protect artists’ copyright. But without action on AI theft it is all hot air by Alice Grundy, The Conversation (July 2026)

The Wrap: No, a drop in house prices isn't a calamity. It means housing is finally becoming more affordable by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (July 2026)

One Nation’s economic thought bubbles have little substance – except for one by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (July 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.

The tech industry talks about huge investment in Australia. That sounds great, but who&rsquo;ll actually benefit?
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Matt Grudnoff joins Elinor to discuss Anthony Albanese&rsquo;s speech on artificial intelligence, lessons for data centre regulation from Australia&rsquo;s experience with the gas industry, Barnaby Joyce&rsquo;s vision for the Reserve Bank, and Matt&rsquo;s guide to voodoo.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 16 July 2026.
Pre-order <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. 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;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://theconversation.com/the-pm-has-pledged-to-protect-artists-copyright-but-without-action-on-ai-theft-it-is-all-hot-air-287578">The PM has pledged to protect artists&rsquo; copyright. But without action on AI theft it is all hot air</a> by Alice Grundy, The Conversation (July 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/new/the-wrap-no-a-drop-in-house-prices-isnt-a-calamity-it-means-housing-is-finally-becoming-more-affordable">The Wrap: No, a drop in house prices isn't a calamity. It means housing is finally becoming more affordable</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (July 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/jul/16/one-nation-australian-economy-peoples-bank">One Nation&rsquo;s economic thought bubbles have little substance &ndash; except for one</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (July 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 Dollars &amp; Sense on <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 tech industry talks about huge investment in Australia. That sounds great, but who’ll actually benefit?

Big Tech promises the world with AI. Australians shouldn’t believe them.

Gambling advertising reforms

Superannuation for under 18s

An outright ban on gambling advertising would be extremely popular – so why isn’t the government doing it?

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Matt Grudnoff joins Elinor to talk about the federal government’s “piss poor” online gambling reforms and the push to pay super to under 18s.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 9 July 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.

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

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

Check out the new Australia Institute podcast series, What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss. It’s available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite shows.

Show notes:

National Gambling Toll, the Australia Institute

Online gambling “reshaping a whole generation” as government reforms fall well short, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (May 2026)

Only thing standing in way of gambling reform is government’s cowardice by Morgan Harrington & Jack Thrower, The New Daily (November 2025)

Super for under-18s is a gendered issue, costing women up to $11,000 at retirement by Gemma Killen, The Point (July 2026)

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

Teenage gambling in Australia by Matt Saunders and Morgan Harrington, the Australia Institute (April 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 Dollars & Sense on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

An outright ban on gambling advertising would be extremely popular &ndash; so why isn&rsquo;t the government doing it?
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Matt Grudnoff joins Elinor to talk about the federal government&rsquo;s &ldquo;piss poor&rdquo; online gambling reforms and the push to pay super to under 18s.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 9 July 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 <a href="http://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/">visit Gambling Help Online</a> at <a href="http://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au">www.gamblinghelponline.org.au</a>.
If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact <a href="http://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline</a>&nbsp;on 13 11 14 or online at <a href="http://www.lifeline.org.au">www.lifeline.org.au</a>.
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>
Check out the new Australia Institute podcast series, What&rsquo;s the Point? with Richard Denniss. It&rsquo;s available now 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 shows.
Show notes:
<a href="https://gambling-toll.australiainstitute.org.au/">National Gambling Toll</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/online-gambling-reshaping-a-whole-generation-as-government-reforms-fall-well-short/">Online gambling &ldquo;reshaping a whole generation&rdquo; as government reforms fall well short</a>, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (May 2026)
<a href="https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/politics/australian-politics/2025/11/26/gambling-ads-albanese-govt">Only thing standing in way of gambling reform is government&rsquo;s cowardice</a> by Morgan Harrington &amp; Jack Thrower, The New Daily (November 2025)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260702-super-for-under-18s-is-a-gendered-issue-costing-women-up-to-11000-at-retirement">Super for under-18s is a gendered issue, costing women up to $11,000 at retirement</a> by Gemma Killen, The Point (July 2026)
<a href="http://australiainstitute.org.au/report/polling-banning-gambling-advertising/">Polling &ndash; banning gambling advertisements</a>, the Australia Institute (May 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/teenage-gambling-in-australia/">Teenage gambling in Australia</a> by Matt Saunders and Morgan Harrington, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
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.

Banning gambling advertising would be extremely popular – so why isn’t the government doing it?

BONUS | What's the point of a gas export tax?

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