Fossil fuel subsidies growing faster than the 

AND we give gas away for free

Impact on the climate

Fuel security & the war on Iran

Solutions

Now costing Australian governments $31,020 per minute, fossil fuel subsidies are growing faster than spending on the NDIS. 

On this episode of Follow the Money, Rod Campbell and Ebony Bennett discuss why it’s time to call out the idea that governments can’t afford to support Australians in need yet still dish out $16.3 billion on fossil fuel subsidies in 2025-26 alone.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 17 March.

What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo is available now for just $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.

You can also subscribe to the Vantage Point series to get four essays a year on some of the most pressing issues facing Australia and the world.

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

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

Show notes:

Fossil fuel subsidies in Australia 2026 by Matt Grudnoff and Rod Campbell, the Australia Institute (March 2026)

Australia’s great gas giveaway, the Australia Institute (May 2024)

Joseph Stiglitz on super profits, capital gains and why corporate tax is good for democracy, Follow the Money (February 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.

Now costing Australian governments $31,020 per minute, fossil fuel subsidies are growing faster than spending on the NDIS. 
On this episode of Follow the Money, Rod Campbell and Ebony Bennett discuss why it&rsquo;s time to call out the idea that governments can&rsquo;t afford to support Australians in need yet still dish out $16.3 billion on fossil fuel subsidies in 2025-26 alone.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 17 March.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/what-we-owe-the-water-vantage-point-issue-4">What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo</a> is available now for just $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
You can also <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">subscribe to the Vantage Point series</a> to get four essays a year on some of the most pressing issues facing Australia and the world.
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://australiainstitute.org.au/report/fossil-fuel-subsidies-in-australia-2026/">Fossil fuel subsidies in Australia 2026</a> by Matt Grudnoff and Rod Campbell, the Australia Institute (March 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/australias-great-gas-giveaway/">Australia&rsquo;s great gas giveaway</a>, the Australia Institute (May 2024)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/joseph-stiglitz-on-super-profits-capital-gains-and-why-corporate-tax-is-good-for-democracy/">Joseph Stiglitz on super profits, capital gains and why corporate tax is good for democracy</a>, Follow the Money (February 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>.

Economics and politics explained in plain English

Economics and politics explained in plain English

Follow The Money

Economics, politics and policy explained in plain English.

Economics, politics and policy explained in plain English.

Now costing Australian governments $31,020 per minute, fossil fuel subsidies are growing faster than spending on the NDIS.