Understanding the safeguard mechanism

Dodgy offsets

Impediments to stronger climate action

Government review of the scheme

Australia’s flagship climate policy is failing to drive actual emission reductions.

On this episode of Follow the Money, the authors of new Australia Institute research, Dr Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, join Glenn Connley to discuss the major failures of the Safeguard Mechanism, the dodgy “carbon offsets” at the heart the scheme, and what can be done to drive down emissions.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 23 June.

Guest: Fergus Green, co-author of ‘Safeguarding the fossil fuel industry?’ and Associate Professor, University College London // @fergusgreen

Guest: Frances Medlock, co-author of ‘Safeguarding the fossil fuel industry?’ and policy and law reform lawyer

Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley

Show notes:

Safeguarding the Fossil Fuel Industry? How Carbon Offsetting Undermines the Safeguard Mechanism by Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, the Australia Institute (June 2026)

The dodgy, so-called “offsets” that undermine Australia’s central climate policy by Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, The Point (June 2026)

Koalas Covering for Coal? Dirty Forest Offset Plan Would Mean More Fossil Fuels, the Australia Institute (June 2026)

Giant gas project earns $90m in ‘free’ carbon offsets by Ryan Cropp, Australian Financial Review (June 2026)

Here are 23 Times Carbon Offsets Were Found to be Dodgy, the Australia Institute (January 2024)

World’s biggest miner BHP backtracks on climate action with key projects put on ice, leaked documents reveal by Christopher Knaus and Adam Morton, Guardian Australia (May 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 Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Australia&rsquo;s flagship climate policy is failing to drive actual emission reductions.
On this episode of Follow the Money, the authors of new Australia Institute research, Dr Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, join Glenn Connley to discuss the major failures of the Safeguard Mechanism, the dodgy &ldquo;carbon offsets&rdquo; at the heart the scheme, and what can be done to drive down emissions.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 23 June.
Guest: Fergus Green, co-author of &lsquo;Safeguarding the fossil fuel industry?&rsquo; and Associate Professor, University College London // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/fergusgreen.bsky.social">@fergusgreen</a>
Guest: Frances Medlock, co-author of &lsquo;Safeguarding the fossil fuel industry?&rsquo; and policy and law reform lawyer
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/glennconnley.bsky.social">@glennconnley</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/safeguarding-the-fossil-fuel-industry/">Safeguarding the Fossil Fuel Industry? How Carbon Offsetting Undermines the Safeguard Mechanism</a> by Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, the Australia Institute (June 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260625-the-dodgy-so-called-offsets-that-undermine-australias-central-climate-policy">The dodgy, so-called &ldquo;offsets&rdquo; that undermine Australia&rsquo;s central climate policy</a> by Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, The Point (June 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/koalas-covering-for-coal-dirty-forest-offset-plan-would-mean-more-fossil-fuels/">Koalas Covering for Coal? Dirty Forest Offset Plan Would Mean More Fossil Fuels</a>, the Australia Institute (June 2026)
<a href="https://www.afr.com/policy/energy-and-climate/giant-gas-project-earns-90m-in-free-carbon-offsets-20260619-p608hc">Giant gas project earns $90m in &lsquo;free&rsquo; carbon offsets</a> by Ryan Cropp, Australian Financial Review (June 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/here-are-23-times-carbon-offsets-were-found-to-be-dodgy-2/">Here are 23 Times Carbon Offsets Were Found to be Dodgy</a>, the Australia Institute (January 2024)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/25/bhp-files-leak-mining-company-climate-action">World&rsquo;s biggest miner BHP backtracks on climate action with key projects put on ice, leaked documents reveal</a> by Christopher Knaus and Adam Morton, Guardian Australia (May 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>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Australia’s flagship climate policy is failing to drive actual emission reductions.

The Safeguard Mechanism is failing miserably

Failed South Australian legislation

Influence of US politics

Australians' views on abortion

Australian politics

Improving care

Australians overwhelmingly support access to abortion care – but there’s a resurgence in anti-abortion politics underway.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Amy Remeikis and Hamdi Jama join Ebony Bennett to discuss the resurgence of anti-abortion politics in Australia, failed legislation in South Australia seeking to restrict late-term abortion, and the influence of far-right politics in the United States and United Kingdom on Australia.

This episode was recorded on Friday 19 June.

Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute

Guest: Hamdi Jama, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the Australia Institute

Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

Show notes:

Abortion Access in South Australia by Hamdi Jama and Ebony Bennett, the Australia Institute (June 2026)

Overwhelming support for abortion access, despite election rhetoric: new poll, the Australia Institute (March 2026)

Saving women? Spare me. This is hatred of women at its heart by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (June 2026)

Don’t be fooled, there’s nothing ‘reasonable’ about these rebooted abortion battles by Amy Remeikis, The Point (June 2026)

One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts says he will push for party to adopt blanket abortion ban by Tory Shepherd, Guardian Australia (June 2026)

Image of ‘twin babies’ used by anti-abortion activist appears to show sugar gliders by Tory Shepherd, Guardian Australia (May 2026)

One Nation’s anti‑abortion turn shows MAGA’s creeping power in Australia by Prudence Flowers, The Conversation (June 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 Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Australians overwhelmingly support access to abortion care &ndash; but there&rsquo;s a resurgence in anti-abortion politics underway.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Amy Remeikis and Hamdi Jama join Ebony Bennett to discuss the resurgence of anti-abortion politics in Australia, failed legislation in South Australia seeking to restrict late-term abortion, and the influence of far-right politics in the United States and United Kingdom on Australia.
This episode was recorded on Friday 19 June.
Guest:&nbsp;Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute
Guest: Hamdi Jama, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the Australia Institute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute
Support the research powerful interests fear. <a href="https://theaus.in/3RR3KYd">Make a tax-deductible donation</a> to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Show notes:
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/abortion-access-in-south-australia/">Abortion Access in South Australia</a> by Hamdi Jama and Ebony Bennett, the Australia Institute (June 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/overwhelming-support-for-abortion-access-despite-election-rhetoric-new-poll/">Overwhelming support for abortion access, despite election rhetoric: new poll</a>, the Australia Institute (March 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/saving-women-spare-me-this-is-hatred-of-women-at-its-heart/">Saving women? Spare me. This is hatred of women at its heart</a> by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (June 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260604-dont-be-fooled-theres-nothing-reasonable-about-these-rebooted-abortion-battles">Don&rsquo;t be fooled, there&rsquo;s nothing &lsquo;reasonable&rsquo; about these rebooted abortion battles</a> by Amy Remeikis, The Point (June 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/18/one-nation-abortion-policy-senator-malcolm-roberts-ntwnfb">One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts says he will push for party to adopt blanket abortion ban</a> by Tory Shepherd, Guardian Australia (June 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/27/anti-abortion-activist-joanna-howe-twin-babies-image-likely-to-show-sugar-gliders-ntwnfb">Image of &lsquo;twin babies&rsquo; used by anti-abortion activist appears to show sugar gliders</a> by Tory Shepherd, Guardian Australia (May 2026)
<a href="https://theconversation.com/one-nations-anti-abortion-turn-shows-magas-creeping-power-in-australia-284545">One Nation&rsquo;s anti‑abortion turn shows MAGA&rsquo;s creeping power</a> in Australia by Prudence Flowers, The Conversation (June 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>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Australians overwhelmingly support access to abortion care – but there’s a resurgence in anti-abortion politics underway.

Australians overwhelmingly back abortion access, but the politics are getting more toxic

Gas tax plebiscite

Australia's dud deal on gas

Government's gas reservation policy

How you can have your say

Join tens of thousands of Australians calling for a national plebiscite on a 25% gas export tax.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Rod Campbell join Ebony Bennett to discuss Australia’s dud deal on gas and the Australia Institute’s new petition calling on the government to hold a plebiscite on a gas export tax.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 16 June.

Sign the petition calling for a national plebiscite on a 25% Gas Export Tax.

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

Guest: Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute //@leanneminshull

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

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

Show notes:

Let the People Decide: The Case for a Gas Export Tax Plebiscite, Australia Institute webinar (19 June 2026)

Australia's Gas Giveaway, the Australia Institute

The case for a gas export tax, explained by Richard Denniss, The Point (March 2026)

Polling – gas tax and WA, the Australia Institute (April 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 Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Join tens of thousands of Australians calling for a national plebiscite on a 25% gas export tax.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Rod Campbell join Ebony Bennett to discuss Australia&rsquo;s dud deal on gas and the Australia Institute&rsquo;s new petition calling on the government to hold a plebiscite on a gas export tax.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 16 June.
<a href="https://gas-plebiscite.australiainstitute.org.au/">Sign the petition</a> calling for a national plebiscite on a 25% Gas Export Tax.
Support the research powerful interests fear. <a href="https://theaus.in/3RR3KYd">Make a tax-deductible donation</a> to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Guest: Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/leanneminshull.bsky.social">@leanneminshull</a>
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://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/let_the_people_decide_the_case_for_a_gas_export_tax_plebiscite">Let the People Decide: The Case for a Gas Export Tax Plebiscite</a>, Australia Institute webinar (19 June 2026)
<a href="https://gas.australiainstitute.org.au/">Australia's Gas Giveaway</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/explainers/260323-the-case-for-a-gas-export-tax-explained">The case for a gas export tax, explained</a> by Richard Denniss, The Point (March 2026)
<a href="http://australiainstitute.org.au/report/polling-gas-tax-and-wa/">Polling &ndash; gas tax and WA</a>, the Australia Institute (April 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>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Join tens of thousands of Australians calling for a national plebiscite on a 25% gas export tax.

Gas tax: let the people decide

Private schools have a “parasitic relationship” with public education, says Jane Caro.

On this episode of Follow the Money, recorded live at Politics in the Pub in Canberra, Jane Caro joins Dr Alice Grundy to discuss how Australia came to the most expensive place in the developed world for families to send a child to high school and Jane’s essay for Australia Institute Press, Rich Kid Poor Kid: The battle for public education.

The original conversation was recorded live on 3 June 2026. Stay across all of our events by signing up to our newsletter.

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

Guest: Jane Caro, Walkley Award-winning columnist, novelist & author of Rich Kid, Poor Kid: The battle for public education // @janecaro

Host: Alice Grundy, Managing Editor, Australia Institute Press // @alicektg

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

Show notes:

Rich Kid Poor Kid: The battle for public education by Jane Caro, Vantage Point, the Australia Institute (May 2026)

Australia’s private high school problem by Skye Predavec and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (February 2026)

Why Australian high schools cost families more than anywhere else in the developed world: explained in 3 charts by Skye Predavec, The Point (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. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Private schools have a &ldquo;parasitic relationship&rdquo; with public education, says Jane Caro.
On this episode of Follow the Money, recorded live at Politics in the Pub in Canberra, Jane Caro joins Dr Alice Grundy to discuss how Australia came to the most expensive place in the developed world for families to send a child to high school and Jane&rsquo;s essay for Australia Institute Press, <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/rich-kid-poor-kid-vantage-point-issue-5">Rich Kid Poor Kid: The battle for public education</a>.
The original conversation was recorded live on 3 June 2026. <a href="https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/subscribe">Stay across all of our events</a> by signing up to our newsletter.
Support the research powerful interests fear. <a href="https://theaus.in/3RR3KYd">Make a tax-deductible donation</a> to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Guest: Jane Caro, Walkley Award-winning columnist, novelist &amp; author of Rich Kid, Poor Kid: The battle for public education // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/janecaro.bsky.social">@janecaro</a>
Host: Alice Grundy, Managing Editor, Australia Institute Press // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/alicektg.bsky.social">@alicektg</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/store/rich-kid-poor-kid-vantage-point-issue-5">Rich Kid Poor Kid: The battle for public education</a> by Jane Caro, Vantage Point, the Australia Institute (May 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/australias-private-high-school-problem/">Australia&rsquo;s private high school problem</a> by Skye Predavec and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260203-why-australian-high-schools-cost-families-more-than-anywhere-else-in-the-developed-world-in-3-charts">Why Australian high schools cost families more than anywhere else in the developed world: explained in 3 charts</a> by Skye Predavec, The Point (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>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Private schools have a “parasitic relationship” with public education, says Jane Caro.

Jane Caro on the battle for public education

Journalist and author Antoinette Lattouf tells the inspiring stories of women’s courage and conviction – and how they have changed our country.

Recorded live as part of our Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinar series, Antoinette Lattouf joins Ebony Bennett to discuss her landmark legal battle with the ABC and her latest book, Women Who Win: Celebrating courage, conviction and change.

The original conversation was recorded live on 29 May 2026. Stay across all of our events and webinars by signing up to our newsletter.

1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, chat online or video call via their website.

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

Guest: Antoinette Lattouf, journalist and author of Women Who Win: Celebrating courage, conviction and change // @antoinettelattouf

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

Show notes:

Women Who Win: Celebrating courage, conviction and change by Antoinette Lattouf, Penguin (April 2026)

Josh Bornstein: Working for the Brand, Australia’s Biggest Book Club, the Australia Institute (November 2024)

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 Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Journalist and author Antoinette Lattouf tells the inspiring stories of women&rsquo;s courage and conviction &ndash; and how they have changed our country.
Recorded live as part of our Australia&rsquo;s Biggest Book Club webinar series, Antoinette Lattouf joins Ebony Bennett to discuss her landmark legal battle with the ABC and her latest book,&nbsp;Women Who Win: Celebrating courage, conviction and change.
The original conversation was recorded live on 29 May 2026. <a href="https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/subscribe">Stay across all of our events and webinars</a> by signing up to our newsletter.
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.&nbsp;Call&nbsp;<a href="tel:1800737732">1800 737 732,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1800respect.org.au/help-and-support/telephone-and-online-counselling#faq-2707">text 0458 737 732</a>, chat online or video call via <a href="https://1800respect.org.au/">their website</a>.
Support the research powerful interests fear. <a href="https://theaus.in/3RR3KYd">Make a tax-deductible donation</a> to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Guest: Antoinette Lattouf, journalist and author of Women Who Win: Celebrating courage, conviction and change // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/antoinettelattouf.bsky.social">@antoinettelattouf</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://www.penguin.com.au/books/women-who-win-9781761355370">Women Who Win: Celebrating courage, conviction and change</a> by Antoinette Lattouf, Penguin (April 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/event/josh-bornstein-working-for-the-brand/">Josh Bornstein: Working for the Brand</a>, Australia&rsquo;s Biggest Book Club, the Australia Institute (November 2024)
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>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Journalist and author Antoinette Lattouf tells the inspiring stories of women’s courage and conviction – and how they have changed our country.

Antoinette Lattouf on women who win

Australians the world's biggest losers

Harm caused by gambling

Government response to the Murphy review

Calls for national regulator, inducements ban

Next steps for reform

The government’s latest reforms don’t do nearly enough to protect Australians from gambling harm.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Martin Thomas from the Alliance for Gambling Reform and Morgan Harrington from the Australia Institute join Ebony Bennett to discuss how Australians came to have the biggest per capita gambling losses in the world, how online sports betting is turbocharging the damage caused by gambling, and the government’s straw man argument about “balance” when it comes to reform.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 26 May.

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.

Visit The Point for research, analysis, explainers and factchecks from experts at the Australia Institute and beyond.

Guest: Martin Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, Alliance for Gambling Reform

Guest: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, the Australia Institute // @mhharrington

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

Show notes:

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

Teenage gambling in Australia by Matt Saunders and Morgan Harrington, the Australia Institute (April 2025)

Worth a Punt – 2% Levy on Gambling Revenue Could Replace Free-To-Air Advertising Spend by Stephen Long and David Richardson, the Australia Institute (August 2024)

‘A thousand days of inaction on gambling reform’ by Tim Costello, The Saturday Paper (March 2026)

New research shows kids are targeted with alcohol, gambling and junk food ads online, Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (June 2024)

Football’s secret gambling deal exposed | Four Corners, Australian Broadcasting Corporation on YouTube (June 2023)

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 Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

The government&rsquo;s latest reforms don&rsquo;t do nearly enough to protect Australians from gambling harm.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Martin Thomas from the Alliance for Gambling Reform and Morgan Harrington from the Australia Institute join Ebony Bennett to discuss how Australians came to have the biggest per capita gambling losses in the world, how online sports betting is turbocharging the damage caused by gambling, and the government&rsquo;s straw man argument about &ldquo;balance&rdquo; when it comes to reform.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 26 May.
If this episode raised issues for you, you can call the National Gambling Helpline on&nbsp;<a href="tel:1800858858">1800 858 858</a> for free, professional and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or visit Gambling Help Online at <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 <a href="http://www.lifeline.org.au/">www.lifeline.org.au</a>.
Visit <a href="https://thepoint.com.au/">The Point</a> for research, analysis, explainers and factchecks from experts at the Australia Institute and beyond.
Guest: Martin Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, Alliance for Gambling Reform
Guest: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mhharrington.bsky.social">@mhharrington</a>
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ebonybennett.bsky.social">@ebonybennett</a>
Show notes:
<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)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/worth-a-punt-2-levy-on-gambling-revenue-could-replace-free-to-air-advertising-spend/">Worth a Punt &ndash; 2% Levy on Gambling Revenue Could Replace Free-To-Air Advertising Spend</a> by Stephen Long and David Richardson, the Australia Institute (August 2024)
<a href="https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/2026/03/21/thousand-days-inaction-gambling-reform">&lsquo;A thousand days of inaction on gambling reform&rsquo;</a> by Tim Costello, The Saturday Paper (March 2026)
<a href="https://fare.org.au/new-research-shows-kids-are-targeted-with-alcohol-gambling-and-junk-food-ads-online/">New research shows kids are targeted with alcohol, gambling and junk food ads online</a>, Foundation for Alcohol Research &amp; Education (June 2024)
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACJioasFLco&amp;t=9s">Football&rsquo;s secret gambling deal exposed | Four Corners</a>, Australian Broadcasting Corporation on YouTube (June 2023)
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>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

The government’s latest reforms don’t do nearly enough to protect Australians from gambling harm.

Online gambling “reshaping a whole generation” as government reforms fall well short

High Court voids Victorian donations laws

Federal, South Australian electoral law change

Principles for reform

Options for Victoria & elsewhere

Six months out from an election, Victoria has been left with no political donation laws after the High Court ruled them unconstitutional.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Bill Browne joins Ebony Bennett to discuss why the High Court voided Victoria’s undemocratic political donations laws. They examine what this could mean for other jurisdictions and why a principled, transparent approach to political donations reform is needed – not legislation that skews the system in favour of major parties.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 19 May.

Visit The Point for research, analysis, explainers and factchecks from experts at the Australia Institute and beyond.

Guest: Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability, the Australia Institute // @browne90

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

Show notes:

Victoria’s donation restrictions are unconstitutional – what happens now? by Bill Browne, The Point (April 2026)

Open letter calls on Victorian Parliament to make election donation laws fair and transparent from Australian Democracy Network, Accountability Round Table, Transparency International Australia, Human Rights Law Centre, the Australia Institute and many other integrity and community organisations (May 2026)

High Court shines a light on how major parties have stacked the system in their favour by Bill Browne, The Point (April 2026)

High Court gives Victoria a chance to rethink its unconstitutional, undemocratic political donation laws, the Australia Institute (April 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 Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Six months out from an election, Victoria has been left with no political donation laws after the High Court ruled them unconstitutional.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Bill Browne joins Ebony Bennett to discuss why the High Court voided Victoria&rsquo;s undemocratic political donations laws. They examine what this could mean for other jurisdictions and why a principled, transparent approach to political donations reform is needed &ndash; not legislation that skews the system in favour of major parties.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 19 May.
Visit <a href="https://thepoint.com.au/">The Point</a> for research, analysis, explainers and factchecks from experts at the Australia Institute and beyond.
Guest: Bill Browne, Director, Democracy &amp; Accountability, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/browne90.bsky.social">@browne90</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://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260430-victorias-donation-restrictions-are-unconstitutional-what-happens-now">Victoria&rsquo;s donation restrictions are unconstitutional &ndash; what happens now?</a> by Bill Browne, The Point (April 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/open-letter-calls-on-victorian-parliament-to-make-election-donation-laws-fair-and-transparent/">Open letter calls on Victorian Parliament to make election donation laws fair and transparent</a> from Australian Democracy Network, Accountability Round Table, Transparency International Australia, Human Rights Law Centre, the Australia Institute and many other integrity and community organisations (May 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260416-high-court-shines-a-light-on-how-major-parties-have-stacked-the-system-in-their-favour">High Court shines a light on how major parties have stacked the system in their favour</a> by Bill Browne, The Point (April 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/high-court-gives-victoria-a-chance-to-rethink-its-unconstitutional-undemocratic-political-donation-laws/">High Court gives Victoria a chance to rethink its unconstitutional, undemocratic political donation laws</a>, the Australia Institute (April 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>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Six months out from an election, Victoria has been left with no political donation laws after the High Court ruled them unconstitutional.

Victoria’s donations shambles puts rest of country “on notice”

Meaningful housing reform

Tax offsets & trusts

Income support & the NDIS

(Not) taxing gas

Final reflections

Australians are crying out for big, brave reforms from governments. The long-overdue changes to housing tax concessions in this budget suggest the federal government may be starting to get the message.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff and Ebony Bennett discuss the government’s important changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, its “brutal” cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and why some “broken promises” may not be such a big deal in the eyes of Australians.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday 13 May.

The latest Vantage Point essay, Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.

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

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

Show notes:

Budget 2026: What the government’s housing tax changes mean for first home buyers and housing affordability by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (May 2026)

Budget 2026: Government targets investor tax breaks and trust loopholes in housing reform package by Tegan George,The Point (May 2026)

Budget 2026: Treasurer's speech, annotated by Greg Jericho,The Point (May 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 Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Australians are crying out for big, brave reforms from governments. The long-overdue changes to housing tax concessions in this budget suggest the federal government may be starting to get the message.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff and Ebony Bennett discuss the government&rsquo;s important changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, its &ldquo;brutal&rdquo; cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and why some &ldquo;broken promises&rdquo; may not be such a big deal in the eyes of Australians.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday 13 May.
The latest Vantage Point essay, <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/rich-kid-poor-kid-vantage-point-issue-5">Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro</a>, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mattgrudnoff.bsky.social">@mattgrudnoff</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://thepoint.com.au/explainers/260513-budget-2026-the-government-is-finally-winding-back-the-tax-breaks-driving-up-house-prices">Budget 2026: What the government&rsquo;s housing tax changes mean for first home buyers and housing affordability</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (May 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/news/260512-budget-2026-government-targets-investor-tax-breaks-and-trust-loopholes-in-housing-reform">Budget 2026: Government targets investor tax breaks and trust loopholes in housing reform package</a> by Tegan George, The Point (May 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/explainers/260512-budget-2026-treasurers-speech-annotated-by-greg-jericho">Budget 2026: Treasurer's speech, annotated</a> by Greg Jericho, The Point (May 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>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Australians are crying out for big, brave reforms from governments. The long-overdue changes to housing tax concessions in this budget suggest the federal government may be starting to get the message.

Budget 2026: serious housing reforms but a missed opportunity to tax gas exports

After major missteps, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is falling well short of the gold standard for integrity bodies.

On this episode of Follow the Money, journalist and writer Nick Feik joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the NACC’s handling of its Robodebt investigation, its decision not to hold public hearings so far, and concerns about the legal experience required of some senior leaders.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 5 May and some things may have changed.

The latest Vantage Point essay, Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.

Guest: Nick Feik, journalist and writer // @nickfeik

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

Show notes:

Built to fail? NACC: the integrity body undermined from the start by Nick Feik, Michelle Fahy & Elizabeth Minter, The Point (April 2026)

Resignation of Deputy Commissioner highlights need for transparent, merit-based NACC appointments, the Centre for Public Integrity (May 2026)

National Anti-Corruption Commission: Reforms Needed, the Australia Institute

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.

After major missteps, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is falling well short of the gold standard for integrity bodies.
On this episode of Follow the Money, journalist and writer Nick Feik joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the NACC&rsquo;s handling of its Robodebt investigation, its decision not to hold public hearings so far, and concerns about the legal experience required of some senior leaders.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 5 May and some things may have changed.
The latest Vantage Point essay, <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/rich-kid-poor-kid-vantage-point-issue-5">Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro</a>, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
Guest: Nick Feik, journalist and writer // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/nickfeik.bsky.social">@nickfeik</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://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260425-built-to-fail-nacc-the-integrity-body-undermined-from-within">Built to fail? NACC: the integrity body undermined from the start</a> by Nick Feik, Michelle Fahy &amp; Elizabeth Minter, The Point (April 2026)
<a href="https://publicintegrity.org.au/media-release-resignation-of-deputy-commissioner-highlights-need-for-transparent-merit-based-nacc-appointments/">Resignation of Deputy Commissioner highlights need for transparent, merit-based NACC appointments</a>, the Centre for Public Integrity (May 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/initiative/a-national-integrity-commission-with-teeth/reforms-needed/">National Anti-Corruption Commission: Reforms Needed</a>, the Australia Institute
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>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a>&nbsp;or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

After major missteps, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is falling well short of the gold standard for integrity bodies.

Is the national anti-corruption body failing?

Taxing the 1%

Australia's gas exports

Australia's housing crisis

Politics of reform

How have a select few accumulated such colossal wealth while many Australians struggle?

On this episode of Follow the Money, Senator Larissa Waters, leader of the Australian Greens, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the causes of Australia’s housing crisis, making gas exporters pay their fair share, and the Greens’ new ‘tax the 1%’ campaign.

The latest Vantage Point essay, Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.

Guest: Larissa Waters, Australian Greens leader and Senator for Queensland // @larissawaters

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

Show notes:

The case for a gas export tax, explained by Richard Denniss, The Point (March 2026)

Japanese Government collects more tax from Australian gas than Australian Government, the Australia Institute (April 2026)

Australia's Gas Giveaway, the Australia Institute

Santos records nearly $47bn in sales over a decade without paying corporate tax by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (April 2026)

Three ways Australia can tax wealth better by David Richardson and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (August 2025)

Inequality, Democracy, and Distributive Justice with Gabriel Zucman, Global Progressive Mobilization on YouTube (April 2026)

Oligarchy or Democracy with Wayne Swan,Global Progressive Mobilization on YouTube (April 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.

How have a select few accumulated such colossal wealth while many Australians struggle?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Senator Larissa Waters, leader of the Australian Greens, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the causes of Australia&rsquo;s housing crisis, making gas exporters pay their fair share, and the Greens&rsquo; new &lsquo;tax the 1%&rsquo; campaign.
The latest Vantage Point essay, <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/rich-kid-poor-kid-vantage-point-issue-5">Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro</a>, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
Guest: Larissa Waters, Australian Greens leader and Senator for Queensland // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/larissawaters.bsky.social">@larissawaters</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://thepoint.com.au/explainers/260323-the-case-for-a-gas-export-tax-explained">The case for a gas export tax, explained</a> by Richard Denniss, The Point (March 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/japanese-government-collects-more-tax-from-australian-gas-than-australian-government/?utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=bluesky&amp;utm_term=CLI_Tax">Japanese Government collects more tax from Australian gas than Australian Government</a>, the Australia Institute (April 2026)
<a href="https://gas.australiainstitute.org.au/">Australia's Gas Giveaway</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/explainers/260414-santos-records-nearly-47bn-in-sales-over-a-decade-without-paying-corporate-tax">Santos records nearly $47bn in sales over a decade without paying corporate tax</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (April 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/three-ways-australia-can-tax-wealth-better/">Three ways Australia can tax wealth better</a> by David Richardson and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (August 2025)
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/bDDLpOWFg54?t=776s">Inequality, Democracy, and Distributive Justice with Gabriel Zucman</a>, Global Progressive Mobilization on YouTube (April 2026)
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/YDvRD_YKY4c?si=JHmGjl3BfWPZPfiG">Oligarchy or Democracy with Wayne Swan</a>, Global Progressive Mobilization on YouTube (April 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>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a>&nbsp;or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

How have a select few accumulated such colossal wealth while many Australians struggle?

Greens leader Larissa Waters on the housing crisis, gas exports & taxing the 1%

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.

Follow The Money

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