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.

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

Wage earners falling behind as major corporations rake it in

RBA keeps cash rate on hold

Using super to control inflation?

WTF is a "property recession?"

Andrew Bragg wants to slash construction code

Census question leading to housing confusion

Interest rates are the bluntest, sharpest tool. Is there a better way? 

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss why superannuation could be a better way to control inflation than interest rates, the continued hand-wringing about house prices falling a tiny bit after skyrocketing for years, and why Andrew Bragg has communism on the brain. 

This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 12 August 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: 

 Isn’t it amazing what a policy that actually tackles the cause of outrageous house prices can do? by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026) 

What’s the Point of the Reserve Bank of Australia?, What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss (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. 

Interest rates are the bluntest, sharpest tool. Is there a better way?&nbsp;
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss why superannuation could be a better way to control inflation than interest rates, the continued hand-wringing about house prices falling a tiny bit after skyrocketing for years, and&nbsp;why Andrew Bragg has communism on the brain.&nbsp;
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 12 August&nbsp;2026.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/grogsgamut.bsky.social">@grogsgamut</a>&nbsp;
Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/elinorjohnstonleek.bsky.social">@elinorjohnstonleek</a>&nbsp;
Show notes:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/aug/12/isnt-it-amazing-what-a-policy-that-actually-tackles-the-cause-of-outrageous-house-prices-can-do"> Isn&rsquo;t it amazing what a policy that actually tackles the cause of outrageous house prices can do?</a>&nbsp;by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (August 2026)&nbsp;
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/whats-the-point-of-the-reserve-bank-of-australia/">What&rsquo;s the Point of the Reserve Bank of Australia?</a>, What&rsquo;s the Point? with Richard Denniss (August 2026)&nbsp;
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions&nbsp;
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>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5FWzwVKWUR2tZCbXSKuBE2?si=1c2f3558cc6d44ab">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/dollars-sense/9cc37d00-6a4f-013c-9f4c-0acc26574db2">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.&nbsp;

Interest rates are the bluntest, sharpest tool. Is there a better way? 

Should superannuation be used to control inflation?

What is inflation?

What are interest rates?

How interest rates affect inflation (in theory

How it actually works (chaos)

Inflationary expectations

No sh*t lots of people don't understand

The Great Inflation-Off

A new Reserve Bank survey shows most Australians don’t assess the relationship between inflation and interest rates “correctly” – but there’s much more to it.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor go back to the basics of inflation, living costs and interest rates to show that how they interact really isn’t all that basic.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 6 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: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek

Show notes:

The RBA says rate rises don’t really increase living costs. But the data is clear – they very much do by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (July 2026)

What’s the Point of the Reserve Bank of Australia?, What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss (August 2026)

‘Impoverishing millions’: Richard Denniss says the RBA needs to rethink how it fights inflation by Tegan George, The Point (August 2026)

Listening to Australians: A New RBA Survey of the Community, the Reserve Bank of 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.

A new Reserve Bank survey shows most Australians don&rsquo;t assess the relationship between inflation and interest rates &ldquo;correctly&rdquo; &ndash; but there&rsquo;s much more to it.
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Elinor go back to the basics of inflation, living costs and interest rates to show that how they interact really isn&rsquo;t all that basic.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 6 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;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/06/the-rba-says-rate-rises-dont-really-increase-living-costs-but-the-data-is-clear-they-very-much-do">The RBA says rate rises don&rsquo;t really increase living costs. But the data is clear &ndash; they very much do</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (July 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/whats-the-point-of-the-reserve-bank-of-australia/">What&rsquo;s the Point of the Reserve Bank of Australia?</a>, What&rsquo;s the Point? with Richard Denniss (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/new/260805-impoverishing-millions-richard-denniss-says-the-rba-needs-to-rethink-how-it-fights-inflation">&lsquo;Impoverishing millions&rsquo;: Richard Denniss says the RBA needs to rethink how it fights inflation</a> by Tegan George, The Point (August 2026)
<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2026/jul/listening-to-australians-a-new-rba-survey-of-the-community.html">Listening to Australians: A New RBA Survey of the Community</a>, the Reserve Bank of 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&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 Reserve Bank survey shows most Australians don’t assess the relationship between inflation and interest rates “correctly” – but there’s much more to it.

Confused about interest rates and inflation? You’re not alone

Latest inflation data

The supply shocks keep coming

We're quadrillionaires!

Wealth on Earth is up, apparently.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the better-than-expected inflation figures, the global oversupply of once-in-a-lifetime crises, and what the ominous-sounding ‘global balance sheet’ tells us about wealth on Earth.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 30 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:

The likelihood of the RBA raising interest rates has fallen. Have we finally come to our senses? by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (July 2026)

Latest inflation figures strengthen case for RBA to hold rates by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (July 2026)

Workers have paid the price for inflation driven by corporate profits, OECD report confirms by Greg Jericho, The Point (July 2026)

Global balance sheet, McKinsey Institute (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.

Wealth on Earth is up, apparently.
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the better-than-expected inflation figures, the global oversupply of once-in-a-lifetime crises, and what the ominous-sounding &lsquo;global balance sheet&rsquo; tells us about wealth on Earth.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 30 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/30/likelihood-of-rba-raising-interest-rates-fallen-inflation">The likelihood of the RBA raising interest rates has fallen. Have we finally come to our senses?</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (July 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/explainers/260729-latest-inflation-figures-strengthen-case-for-rba-to-hold-rates">Latest inflation figures strengthen case for RBA to hold rates</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (July 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/270726-workers-have-paid-the-price-for-inflation-driven-by-corporate-profits-oecd-report-confirms">Workers have paid the price for inflation driven by corporate profits, OECD report confirms</a> by Greg Jericho, The Point (July 2026)
<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/our-research/global-balance-sheet">Global balance sheet</a>, McKinsey Institute (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.

Wage earners falling behind as major corporations rake it in

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