The RBA cooked it

Big Pharma tariffs & the PBS

For-profit childcare

The Reserve Bank’s shock decision not to cut rates will hurt mortgage holders and the economy.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, substitute Greg (Matt Grudnoff) returns to discuss Trump’s Big Pharma tariffs, the privatisation of childcare, and why the RBA got it wrong in its latest interest rate decision.

This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 9 July 2025 and things may have changed since recording.

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

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

Show notes:

Wrong call – RBA rate hold unfairly dashes borrowers’ hopes for relief, the Australia Institute (July 2025)

How to fix Australia’s broken childcare system so everybody wins by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (November 2024)

Our PBS is a national treasure, not an international trade barrier, 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.

The Reserve Bank&rsquo;s shock decision not to cut rates will hurt mortgage holders and the economy.
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, substitute Greg (Matt Grudnoff) returns to discuss Trump&rsquo;s Big Pharma tariffs, the privatisation of childcare, and why the RBA got it wrong in its latest interest rate decision.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 9 July 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
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://australiainstitute.org.au/post/wrong-call-rba-rate-hold-unfairly-dashes-borrowers-hopes-for-relief/">Wrong call &ndash; RBA rate hold unfairly dashes borrowers&rsquo; hopes for relief</a>, the Australia Institute (July 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/how-to-fix-australias-broken-childcare-system-so-everybody-wins/">How to fix Australia&rsquo;s broken childcare system so everybody wins</a> by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (November 2024)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/our-pbs-is-a-national-treasure-not-an-international-trade-barrier/">Our PBS is a national treasure, not an international trade barrier</a>, 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>.

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.

The Reserve Bank’s shock decision not to cut rates will hurt mortgage holders and the economy.

RBA moves goalposts and keeps rates on hold

A time for bravery

Superannuation changes

Opposing the North West Shelf

Are rate increases coming?

Big economic reform probably isn’t as hard as governments think.

On the final episode of Dollars & Sense for 2025, Greg and Elinor discuss why it’s a time for bravery in our economic policy-making and whether rate hikes are on the way in 2026.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 11 December.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ to get $5 off.

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

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

Show notes:

No wonder Michele Bullock’s dramatic departure from the RBA’s interest rate script left markets swinging wildly by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (December 2025)

Gough dreamed of a country that never was, and asked why not? by Greg Jericho, The Point (November 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.

Big economic reform probably isn&rsquo;t as hard as governments think.
On the final episode of Dollars &amp; Sense for 2025, Greg and Elinor discuss why it&rsquo;s a time for bravery in our economic policy-making and whether rate hikes are on the way in 2026.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 11 December.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/a-time-for-bravery">A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage</a> is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code &lsquo;POD5&rsquo; to get $5 off.
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/2025/dec/10/no-wonder-michele-bullocks-dramatic-departure-from-the-rbas-interest-rate-script-left-markets-swinging-wildly">No wonder Michele Bullock&rsquo;s dramatic departure from the RBA&rsquo;s interest rate script left markets swinging wildly</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (December 2025)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/251111-gough-dreamed-of-a-country-that-never-was-and-asked-why-not">Gough dreamed of a country that never was, and asked why not?</a> by Greg Jericho, The Point (November 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>.

Big economic reform probably isn’t as hard as governments think.

It's a time for bravery

Are we winning the economy?

Private investment growth

Melbourne is winning at housing affordability

Rooftop solar and data centres are drivers of Australia’s economic growth, but do they really bring the same value to Australian society?

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Angus discuss why the devil is in the detail of the latest economic growth figures and how the Victoria has led the other states on housing affordability.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 4 December.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ to get $5 off.

Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now.

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

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

Show notes:

There are two big drivers of Australia’s economic growth – but shape matters as much as size by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (December 2025)

Weaker-than-expected GDP should end talk of budget cuts and rate hikes by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (December 2025)

House prices rise but Melbourne shows a way to improve affordability by Greg Jericho, The Point (December 2025)

Trump’s shutdown power play, After America, The Australia Institute (October 2025)

Financial regulatory framework and home ownership by Matt Grudnoff and Greg Jericho, 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.

Rooftop solar and data centres are drivers of Australia&rsquo;s economic growth, but do they really bring the same value to Australian society?
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Angus discuss why the devil is in the detail of the latest economic growth figures and how the Victoria has led the other states on housing affordability.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 4 December.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/a-time-for-bravery">A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage</a> is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code &lsquo;POD5&rsquo; to get $5 off.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/aiming-higher-vantage-point-issue-3">Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia&rsquo;s future</a> by Professor George Williams is also available now.
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/2025/dec/03/australia-economic-growth-big-drivers-shape-matters-size">There are two big drivers of Australia&rsquo;s economic growth &ndash; but shape matters as much as size</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (December 2025)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/news/251204-weaker-than-expected-gdp-should-end-talk-of-budget-cuts-and-rate-hikes">Weaker-than-expected GDP should end talk of budget cuts and rate hikes</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (December 2025)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/news/251203-house-prices-rise-but-melbourne-shows-a-way-to-improve-affordability">House prices rise but Melbourne shows a way to improve affordability</a> by Greg Jericho, The Point (December 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/trumps-shutdown-power-play/">Trump&rsquo;s shutdown power play</a>, After America, The Australia Institute (October 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/financial-regulatory-framework-and-home-ownership/">Financial regulatory framework and home ownership</a> by Matt Grudnoff and Greg Jericho, 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>.

Rooftop solar and data centres are drivers of Australia’s economic growth, but do they really bring the same value to Australian society?

Is this growth...good?!

By offering generous tax concessions to property investors and making it nearly impossible to live on JobSeeker, Australian governments have being making inequality worse.

On this special episode of Dollars & Sense, we discuss the cost of growing inequality with Dr Cassandra Goldie AO, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), Kasy Chambers, Executive Director of Anglicare Australia, and Dr Mark Zirnsak, Secretariat of the Tax Justice Network Australia.

This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 29 October 2025 at the Australia Institute’s Revenue Summit at Parliament House in Canberra.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘SAVE5’ to get $5 off.

Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now.

Guest: Cassandra Goldie, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Council of Social Service // @cassandragoldie

Guest: Kasy Chambers, Executive Director, Anglicare Australia // @ChambersKasy

Guest: Mark Zirnsak, Secretariat, Tax Justice Network Australia

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

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

Show notes:

Revenue Summit playlist, The Australia Institute on YouTube (November 2025)

Wealth inequality by asset types. What’s driving wealth inequality? by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (February 2025)

Poverty in Australia 2025: Overview by Peter Davidson and Bruce Bradbury, ACOSS and UNSW Sydney

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.

By offering generous tax concessions to property investors and making it nearly impossible to live on JobSeeker, Australian governments have being making inequality worse.
On this special episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, we discuss the cost of growing inequality with Dr Cassandra Goldie AO, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), Kasy Chambers, Executive Director of Anglicare Australia, and Dr Mark Zirnsak, Secretariat of the Tax Justice Network Australia.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 29 October 2025 at the Australia Institute&rsquo;s Revenue Summit at Parliament House in Canberra.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/a-time-for-bravery">A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage</a>&nbsp;is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code &lsquo;SAVE5&rsquo; to get $5 off.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/aiming-higher-vantage-point-issue-3">Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia&rsquo;s future</a> by Professor George Williams is also available now.
Guest:&nbsp;Cassandra Goldie, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Council of Social Service // <a href="mailto:@cassandragoldie">@cassandragoldie</a>
Guest: Kasy Chambers, Executive Director, Anglicare Australia // <a href="https://x.com/ChambersKasy">@ChambersKasy</a>
Guest:&nbsp;Mark Zirnsak, Secretariat, Tax Justice Network Australia
Host:&nbsp;Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Chief, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/richarddenniss.bsky.social">@richarddenniss</a>
Host:&nbsp;Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/grogsgamut.bsky.social">@grogsgamut</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgXQ0oSpA60zYYrJzluCPuOsKfB1RoAS8&amp;si=PngDsOZlaimKKYEC">Revenue Summit playlist</a>, The Australia Institute on YouTube (November 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/wealth-inequality-by-asset-types-whats-driving-wealth-inequality/">Wealth inequality by asset types. What&rsquo;s driving wealth inequality?</a> by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (February 2025)
<a href="https://povertyandinequality.acoss.org.au/poverty_in_australia_2025_overview/">Poverty in Australia 2025: Overview</a> by Peter Davidson and Bruce Bradbury, ACOSS and UNSW Sydney
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>.

By offering generous tax concessions to property investors and making it nearly impossible to live on JobSeeker, Australian governments have being making inequality worse.

RBA moves goalposts and keeps rates on hold

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