Treasurer Jim Chalmers outlines the big challenges facing Australia and the importance of changing the status quo – a situation that is clearly not working for many Australians.

In this special episode of Follow the Money, the Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP, Treasurer of Australia, addresses the loss of control many Australians feel right now, the rise of the far-right in Australia, and the importance of meaningful reform.

This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Bernie Fraser Oration on Tuesday 13 October.

Guest: Jim Chalmers, Treasurer of Australia and Labor Member for Rankin // @jimchalmers

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

Show notes:

Bernie Fraser Oration 2026 | Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP, the Australia Institute on YouTube (October 2026)

Turning point. New analysis reveals tax changes are reversing 25 years of housing policy failure, the Australia Institute (October 2026)

Factcheck: Is immigration really causing Australia’s housing crisis? by Noah Schultz-Byard, The Point (September 2025)

Australia’s tax dilemma: the case for real reform, National Press Club address by Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute on YouTube (October 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. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.