Interest rates are up because...expensive holi

This inflation is not the government's fault

Housing policy

Climate, productivity & meaningful reform

Trump & the global economy

The federal budget

With inflation driven by Christmas holidays and data centres for artificial intelligence, the RBA didn’t need to raise the interest rate this week, argues Matt Grudnoff.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff joins Ebony Bennett to discuss big economic reform opportunities facing the government and why the Reserve Bank of Australia is so cautious about cutting rates, yet so quick to hike them up.

Join economist, author and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis and friends in Adelaide on Sunday 1 March and in Sydney on Thursday 5 March. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours now.

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

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

Show notes:

Hasty decision inflicts more pain and will cost jobs, the Australia Institute (February 2026)

Australian high schools the most expensive in the world – new research, the Australian Institute (February 2026)

Treasurer Jim Chalmers on the likelihood of an interest rate rise today, Radio National Breakfast, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (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.

With inflation driven by Christmas holidays and data centres for artificial intelligence, the RBA didn&rsquo;t need to raise the interest rate this week, argues Matt Grudnoff.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff joins Ebony Bennett to discuss big economic reform opportunities facing the government and why the Reserve Bank of Australia is so cautious about cutting rates, yet so quick to hike them up.
Join economist, author and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis and friends <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/an-afternoon-with-yanis-varoufakis-and-friends-in-adelaide">in Adelaide on Sunday 1 March</a> and <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/an-evening-with-yanis-varoufakis-and-friends-in-sydney">in Sydney on Thursday 5 March</a>. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours now.
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://australiainstitute.org.au/post/hasty-decision-inflicts-more-pain-and-will-cost-jobs/">Hasty decision inflicts more pain and will cost jobs</a>, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/australian-high-schools-the-most-expensive-in-the-world-new-research/">Australian high schools the most expensive in the world &ndash; new research</a>, the Australian Institute (February 2026)
<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-breakfast/jim-chalmers-on-the-likelihood-of-an-interest-rate-rise-today/106297060">Treasurer Jim Chalmers on the likelihood of an interest rate rise today</a>, Radio National Breakfast, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (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>.

With inflation driven by Christmas holidays and data centres for artificial intelligence, the RBA didn’t need to raise the interest rate this week, argues Matt Grudnoff.

"They rushed this": why the Reserve Bank got it wrong by raising rates

Trump's America in the world

The global economic context

Navigating the uncertainty

The Australian government can’t keep its head in the sand and hope the chaos of the Trump administration will just go away.

Dr Emma Shortis and Greg Jericho join Glenn Connley to discuss how Australia can navigate what Canadian PM Mark Carney calls the Trump “rupture”.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.

Guest: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

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

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

Show notes:

After America, the Australia Institute

Dollars & Sense, the Australia Institute

The IMF’s banal language is sane-washing an economic crisis created by the egomaniacal Donald Trump by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (January 2026)

What the IMF actually said about Australia’s economy by Greg Jericho, The Point (January 2026)

Shorter America this week: Trust is rust; It’s the white supremacy, stupid; Five Eyes goes cross-eyed by Emma Shortis, The Point (January 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.

The Australian government can&rsquo;t keep its head in the sand and hope the chaos of the Trump administration will just go away.
Dr Emma Shortis and Greg Jericho join Glenn Connley to discuss how Australia can navigate what Canadian PM Mark Carney calls the Trump &ldquo;rupture&rdquo;.
<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; at checkout to save $5 off the price &ndash; available for a limited time only.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis.bsky.social">@emmashortis</a>
Guest: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/grogsgamut.bsky.social">@grogsgamut</a>
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/news/category/podcasts/after-america/">After America</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/news/category/podcasts/dollars-sense/">Dollars &amp; Sense</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/22/the-imfs-banal-language-is-sane-washing-an-economic-crisis-created-by-the-egomaniacal-donald-trump">The IMF&rsquo;s banal language is sane-washing an economic crisis created by the egomaniacal Donald Trump</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (January 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/news/260122-what-the-imf-actually-said-about-australias-economy">What the IMF actually said about Australia&rsquo;s economy</a> by Greg Jericho, The Point (January 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/news/260124-shorter-america-this-week">Shorter America this week: Trust is rust; It&rsquo;s the white supremacy, stupid; Five Eyes goes cross-eyed</a> by Emma Shortis, The Point (January 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>.

The Australian government can’t keep its head in the sand and hope the chaos of the Trump administration will just go away.

How Australia can chart its own course in an uncertain world

Gun law reforms

Hate speech laws

Where to from here?

The government passed new gun control and hate speech legislation in a special parliamentary sitting, but what impact will they have on Australian democracy?

Amy Remeikis and Bill Browne join Ebony Bennett to discuss how having fewer guns in the community will make Australians safer. However, the complex anti-hate legislation that was rushed through at the same time could have serious consequences for Australian society.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.

Where it all went wrong: the case against John Howardby Amy Remeikis is available for pre-order now.

Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis

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

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

Show notes:

Federal Government passes new firearm, hate speech laws, The Point (January 2026)

The Point Live with Amy Remeikis, The Point (January 2026)

Every four hours, a gun is stolen in Australia, the Australia Institute (October 2025)

Australia’s Gun Ownership Scorecard: A Growing Problem in Need of Reform, the Australia Institute (January 2025)

Attorney-General attempts to explain extent of hate speech laws | 7.30, @ABCNewsInDepth on YouTube (January 2026)

Would half of Australians prefer a One Nation MP to a Labor one? by Bill Browne, The Point

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.

The government passed new gun control and hate speech legislation in a special parliamentary sitting, but what impact will they have on Australian democracy?
Amy Remeikis and Bill Browne join Ebony Bennett to discuss how having fewer guns in the community will make Australians safer. However, the complex anti-hate legislation that was rushed through at the same time could have serious consequences for Australian society.
<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; at checkout to save $5 off the price &ndash; available for a limited time only.
<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Where-It-All-Went-Wrong/Amy-Remeikis/9781761822117">Where it all went wrong: the case against John Howard</a> by Amy Remeikis is available for pre-order now.
Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/amyremeikis.bsky.social">@amyremeikis</a>
Guest: Bill Browne, Democracy &amp; Accountability Director, 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/news/260121-federal-government-passes-new-firearm-hate-speech-laws">Federal Government passes new firearm, hate speech laws</a>, The Point (January 2026)
<a href="https://live.thepoint.com.au/">The Point Live with Amy Remeikis</a>, The Point (January 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/every-four-hours-a-gun-is-stolen-in-australia/">Every four hours, a gun is stolen in Australia</a>, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/australias-gun-ownership-scorecard-a-growing-problem-in-need-of-reform/">Australia&rsquo;s Gun Ownership Scorecard: A Growing Problem in Need of Reform</a>, the Australia Institute (January 2025)
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YmEcnRMWWPA">Attorney-General attempts to explain extent of hate speech laws | 7.30</a>, @ABCNewsInDepth on YouTube (January 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260119-would-half-of-australians-prefer-a-one-nation-mp-to-a-labor-one">Would half of Australians prefer a One Nation MP to a Labor one?</a> by Bill Browne, The Point
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>.

The government passed new gun control and hate speech legislation in a special parliamentary sitting, but what impact will they have on Australian democracy?

Does the government understand its own hate laws?

Political response to the Bondi terror attacks

Adelaide Writers' Week

Bushfires, climate change & insurance

Trump and the Australia-US alliance

#auspol in 2026

Richard Denniss discusses the government’s response to the Bondi terrorist attacks, the chaos of the Trump administration and how to protect Australia’s democracy.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Richard Denniss and Ebony Bennett discuss the political and policy response to devasting Bondi terrorist attacks, the cancellation of Adelaide Writers’ Week, Trump and the Australia-US alliance, and what to look out for in federal politics in 2026.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.

Dead Centre: how political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is also available now.

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

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

Show notes:

‘Engaging with people you disagree with is part of democracy. Silencing authors is not.’ by Richard Denniss, The Point (January 2026)

After America podcast, the Australia Institute

After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)

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.

Richard Denniss discusses the government&rsquo;s response to the Bondi terrorist attacks, the chaos of the Trump administration and how to protect Australia&rsquo;s democracy.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Richard Denniss and Ebony Bennett discuss the political and policy response to devasting Bondi terrorist attacks, the cancellation of Adelaide Writers&rsquo; Week, Trump and the Australia-US alliance, and what to look out for in federal politics in 2026.
<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; at checkout to save $5 off the price &ndash; available for a limited time only.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/dead-centre-vantage-point-issue-2">Dead Centre: how political pragmatism is killing us</a> by Richard Denniss is also available now.
Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/richarddenniss.bsky.social">@richarddenniss</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/260109-engaging-with-people-you-disagree-with-is-part-of-democracy-silencing-authors-is-not">&lsquo;Engaging with people you disagree with is part of democracy. Silencing authors is not.&rsquo;</a> by Richard Denniss, The Point (January 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/news/category/podcasts/after-america/">After America podcast</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/after-america-vantage-point-issue-1">After America: Australia and the new world order</a> by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)
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>.

Richard Denniss discusses the government’s response to the Bondi terrorist attacks, the chaos of the Trump administration and how to protect Australia’s democracy.

Parliament returning early to debate new anti-hate & gun laws

What would it take to make the PALM scheme a genuine win-win for Australia and its neighbours? 

In the fourth and final episode of PALMed Off, host Morgan Harrington canvases some of the proposed solutions to the problems facing the PALM scheme, including an amnesty for disengaged workers and ensuring that everyone working in Australia has the right to leave their employer.

PALMed Off is a special four-part series of Follow the Money exploring the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, an Australian Government guestworker program that could be putting people from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.

The interviews for this podcast were recorded between June and August 2025.

Host: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute // @mhharrington

Interviewees: Ken Dachi (Welcoming Australia), Dr Lindy Kanan (researcher), Dr Matt Withers (ANU), (Waskam) Emelda Davis (ASSI-Port Jackson Chair), Thomas Costa (Unions NSW), anonymous former PALM workers

Scripting and production support: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow & Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute

Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite

Show notes:

‘The PALM Scheme: Labour rights for our Pacific partners’, The Australia Institute (December 2023)

“If I stay like this, how can I benefit my family?” Initial findings on disengagement from the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme by Kirstie Petrou, Matt Withers, Kaya Barry and Emily House, Griffith University (December 2025)

Australian South Sea Islanders – Port Jackson: publications

Theme music:‘Mumbwe’ by Tio, with thanks to the Wantok Music Foundation

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.

What would it take to make the PALM scheme a genuine win-win for Australia and its neighbours? 
In the fourth and final episode of PALMed Off, host Morgan Harrington canvases some of the proposed solutions to the problems facing the PALM scheme, including an amnesty for disengaged workers and ensuring that everyone working in Australia has the right to leave their employer.
PALMed Off is a special four-part series of Follow the Money exploring the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, an Australian Government guestworker program that could be putting people from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.
The interviews for this podcast were recorded between June and August 2025.
Host: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mhharrington.bsky.social">@mhharrington</a>
Interviewees: Ken Dachi (Welcoming Australia), Dr Lindy Kanan (researcher), Dr Matt Withers (ANU), (Waskam) Emelda Davis (ASSI-Port Jackson Chair), Thomas Costa (Unions NSW), anonymous former PALM workers
Scripting and production support: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow &amp; Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute
Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite
Show notes:
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/the-palm-scheme/">&lsquo;The PALM Scheme: Labour rights for our Pacific partners&rsquo;</a>, The Australia Institute (December 2023)
<a href="https://researchportalplus.anu.edu.au/en/publications/if-i-stay-like-this-how-can-i-benefit-my-family-initial-findings-/">&ldquo;If I stay like this, how can I benefit my family?&rdquo; Initial findings on disengagement from the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme</a> by Kirstie Petrou, Matt Withers, Kaya Barry and Emily House, Griffith University (December 2025)
<a href="https://www.assipj.com.au/southsea/publications/">Australian South Sea Islanders &ndash; Port Jackson: publications</a>
Theme music: <a href="https://www.wantokmusik.org/tio">&lsquo;Mumbwe&rsquo; by Tio</a>, with thanks to the Wantok Music Foundation
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>.

What would it take to make the PALM scheme a genuine win-win for Australia and its neighbours?

What can be done to fix the PALM scheme? | PALMed Off, Episode 4

PALM visas holders do not get Medicare (outside of a trial limited to 200 people), so what happens when they are injured, get sick or fall pregnant? 

In episode three of PALMed Off, host Morgan Harrington hears how a lack of affordable medical care can have dire consequences for PALM visa holders and discusses the problems faced by women who fall pregnant whilst working in Australia.

PALMed Off is a special four-part series of Follow the Money exploring the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, an Australian Government guestworker program that could be putting people from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.

The interviews for this podcast were recorded between June and August 2025.

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.

Host: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute // @mhharrington

Interviewees: Ken Dachi (Welcoming Australia), Dr Lindy Kanan (researcher), Dr Matt Withers (The Australian National University), (Waskam) Emelda Davis (ASSI-Port Jackson Chair), Thomas Costa (Unions NSW), anonymous former PALM workers

Scripting and production support: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow & Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute

Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite

Show notes:

‘It’s not illegal to be pregnant’ by Lindy Kanan, DevPolicyBlog (May 2025)

‘Reproductive Health and Rights for PALM Scheme Workers – Statement’, Australian Women’s Health Alliance (May 2025)

Theme music:‘Mumbwe’ by Tio, with thanks to the Wantok Music Foundation

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.

PALM visas holders do not get Medicare (outside of a trial limited to 200 people), so what happens when they are injured, get sick or fall pregnant? 
In episode three of PALMed Off, host Morgan Harrington hears how a lack of affordable medical care can have dire consequences for PALM visa holders and discusses the problems faced by women who fall pregnant whilst working in Australia.
PALMed Off is a special four-part series of Follow the Money exploring the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, an Australian Government guestworker program that could be putting people from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.
The interviews for this podcast were recorded between June and August 2025.
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/FAQ#faq-2707">text 0458 737 732</a>, chat online or video call via&nbsp;<a href="https://1800respect.org.au/">their website</a>.
Host: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mhharrington.bsky.social">@mhharrington</a>
Interviewees: Ken Dachi (Welcoming Australia), Dr Lindy Kanan (researcher), Dr Matt Withers (The Australian National University), (Waskam) Emelda Davis (ASSI-Port Jackson Chair), Thomas Costa (Unions NSW), anonymous former PALM workers
Scripting and production support: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow &amp; Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute
Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite
Show notes:
<a href="https://devpolicy.org/publications/reproductive-justice-palm-scheme/">&lsquo;It&rsquo;s not illegal to be pregnant&rsquo;</a> by Lindy Kanan, DevPolicy Blog (May 2025)
<a href="https://australianwomenshealth.org/2025/05/13/reproductive-health-and-rights-for-palm-scheme-workers/">&lsquo;Reproductive Health and Rights for PALM Scheme Workers &ndash; Statement&rsquo;</a>, Australian Women&rsquo;s Health Alliance (May 2025)
Theme music: <a href="https://www.wantokmusik.org/tio">&lsquo;Mumbwe&rsquo; by Tio</a>, with thanks to the Wantok Music Foundation
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>.

PALM visas holders do not get Medicare (outside of a trial limited to 200 people), so what happens when they are injured, get sick or fall pregnant?

Is Australia failing its duty of care? | PALMed Off, Episode 3

Where do the thousands of people who have left the PALM scheme, but stayed in Australia, go? How do they survive without a valid visa and, more importantly, what does the future hold for them? 

In episode two of PALMed Off, host Morgan Harrington travels to Leeton, New South Wales, a town that’s become a safe haven for some of the estimated 7,000 people who have ‘disengaged’ from the PALM scheme. We find out what leads people to make the difficult decision to walk away from their employer and speak to some of the community members trying to help them.

PALMed Off is a special four-part series of Follow the Money exploring the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, an Australian Government guestworker program that could be putting people from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.

The interviews for this podcast were recorded between June and August 2025.

Host: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute // @mhharrington

Interviewees: Ken Dachi (Welcoming Australia), Paul Maytom (Leeton Multicultural Support Group), Ian Bull (member of St. Peter’s Anglican congregation, Leeton), (Waskam) Emelda Davis (ASSI-Port Jackson Chair), anonymous former PALM workers

Scripting and production support: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow & Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute

Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite

Show notes:

‘Towards a Fair and Sustainable PALM Scheme’, PALM position paper from the Mayoral Alliance for the Pacific, Welcoming Communities

‘Meat the Reality: Unpacking the Exploitation of PALM Scheme Workers in Australia’s Meat Industry’ by Ema Moolchand and Professor Shelley Marshall, RMIT University (February 2025)

Theme music:‘Mumbwe’ by Tio, with thanks to the Wantok Music Foundation

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.

Where do the thousands of people who have left the PALM scheme, but stayed in Australia, go? How do they survive without a valid visa and, more importantly, what does the future hold for them? 
In episode two of PALMed Off, host Morgan Harrington travels to Leeton, New South Wales, a town that&rsquo;s become a safe haven for some of the estimated 7,000 people who have &lsquo;disengaged&rsquo; from the PALM scheme. We find out what leads people to make the difficult decision to walk away from their employer and speak to some of the community members trying to help them.
PALMed Off is a special four-part series of Follow the Money exploring the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, an Australian Government guestworker program that could be putting people from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.
The interviews for this podcast were recorded between June and August 2025.
Host: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mhharrington.bsky.social">@mhharrington</a>
Interviewees: Ken Dachi (Welcoming Australia), Paul Maytom (Leeton Multicultural Support Group), Ian Bull (member of St. Peter&rsquo;s Anglican congregation, Leeton), (Waskam) Emelda Davis (ASSI-Port Jackson Chair), anonymous former PALM workers
Scripting and production support: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow &amp; Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute
Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite
Show notes:
<a href="https://welcoming.org.au/initiatives/mayoral-alliance-for-the-pacific/">&lsquo;Towards a Fair and Sustainable PALM Scheme&rsquo;</a>, PALM position paper from the Mayoral Alliance for the Pacific, Welcoming Communities
<a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/bhright/exploitation-of-palm-scheme-workers-in-aus-meat-industry">&lsquo;Meat the Reality: Unpacking the Exploitation of PALM Scheme Workers in Australia&rsquo;s Meat Industry&rsquo;</a> by Ema Moolchand and Professor Shelley Marshall, RMIT University (February 2025)
Theme music: <a href="https://www.wantokmusik.org/tio">&lsquo;Mumbwe&rsquo; by Tio</a>, with thanks to the Wantok Music Foundation
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>.

Where do the thousands of people who have left the PALM scheme, but stayed in Australia, go? How do they survive without a valid visa and, more importantly, what does the future hold for them?

Workers are people, not commodities | PALMed Off, Episode 2

In this summer mini-series, we examine the Australian guestworker program that could be putting people from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.

In PALMed Off, a special Follow the Money mini-series, we explore the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, a program that allows people from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor Leste to work in Australia on a special temporary visa. The Australian Government argues the program is a win for the workers, their home communities and Australian employers. But PALM visa holders are subjected to restrictions that no other worker in Australia – temporary or permanent – have to put up with, and this has led to concerns that the program is facilitating modern slavery in Australia.

In the first episode of this four-part series, host Morgan Harrington speaks with people from Vanuatu who have worked in Australia under the PALM scheme and considers what it really means for Australia’s relationships with Pacific Island nations.

The interviews for this podcast were recorded between June and August 2025.

Host: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute // @mhharrington

Interviewees: Enoch Takaua (ecotourism business operator), Thomas Costa (Unions NSW), Dr James Cockayne (NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner), (Waskam) Emelda Davis (ASSI-Port Jackson Chair), Dr Matt Withers (ANU), Murielle Meltenoven (Commissioner, Vanuatu Department of Labour & Employment Services), anonymous former PALM workers.

Scripting and production support: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow & Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute

Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite

Show notes: 

“Be Our Guests: Addressing urgent modern slavery risks for temporary migrant workers in rural and regional New South Wales", Report of the Office of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner (September 2024)

Unions NSW Migrant Workers Hub

Australian South Sea Islanders – Port Jackson: publications

Theme music:‘Mumbwe’ by Tio, with thanks to the Wantok Music Foundation

 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.

In this summer mini-series, we examine the Australian guestworker program that could be putting people from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.
In PALMed Off, a special&nbsp;Follow the Money mini-series, we explore the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, a program that allows people from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor Leste to work in Australia on a special temporary visa. The Australian Government argues the program is a win for the workers, their home communities and Australian employers. But PALM visa holders are subjected to restrictions that no other worker in Australia &ndash; temporary or permanent &ndash; have to put up with, and this has led to concerns that the program is facilitating modern slavery in Australia.
In the first episode of this four-part series, host Morgan Harrington speaks with people from Vanuatu who have worked in Australia under the PALM scheme and considers what it really means for Australia&rsquo;s relationships with Pacific Island nations.
The interviews for this podcast were recorded between June and August 2025.
Host: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mhharrington.bsky.social">@mhharrington</a>
Interviewees: Enoch Takaua (ecotourism business operator), Thomas Costa (Unions NSW), Dr James Cockayne (NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner), (Waskam) Emelda Davis (ASSI-Port Jackson Chair), Dr Matt Withers (ANU), Murielle Meltenoven (Commissioner, Vanuatu Department of Labour &amp; Employment Services), anonymous former PALM workers.
Scripting and production support: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow &amp; Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute
Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite
Show notes: 
<a href="https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/papers/Pages/tabled-paper-details.aspx?pk=189374">&ldquo;Be Our Guests: Addressing urgent modern slavery risks for temporary migrant workers in rural and regional New South Wales"</a>, Report of the Office of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner (September 2024)
<a href="https://unionsnsw.org.au/your-rights/migrant-workers/">Unions NSW Migrant Workers Hub</a>
<a href="https://www.assipj.com.au/southsea/publications/">Australian South Sea Islanders &ndash; Port Jackson: publications</a>
Theme music: <a href="https://www.wantokmusik.org/tio">&lsquo;Mumbwe&rsquo; by Tio</a>, with thanks to the Wantok Music Foundation
&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>.

In this summer mini-series, we examine the Australian guestworker program that could be putting people from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.

Modern slavery in Australia? | PALMed Off, Episode 1

Rumours about America's role in the dismissal of Gough Whitlam have circulated for decades – but is there any truth to them? 

On this special episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis explores the state of the Australia-United States relationship under the Whitlam government, the machinations at the time around the renewal of Pine Gap, and the previously untold account of Dr Liz Cham, former executive assistant in the office of Prime Minister Whitlam, who recalls handing over a mystery letter to an American official just before the Dismissal.

The interview with Liz Cham was recorded on Thursday 30 October. This episode first aired on After America on Tuesday 25 November

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.

Guest: Elizabeth Cham, fellow at the University of Technology Sydney and former executive assistant in the office of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

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

Scripting and production support: Stephen Long

Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite

Show notes:

Did the CIA overthrow the Whitlam government? by Charlie Lewis, Crikey (November 2025)

What Washington really thought of Whitlam before the dismissal by James Curran, Australia Financial Review (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.

Rumours about America's role in the dismissal of Gough Whitlam have circulated for decades &ndash; but is there any truth to them?&nbsp;
On this special episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis explores the state of the Australia-United States relationship under the Whitlam government, the machinations at the time around the renewal of Pine Gap, and the previously untold account of Dr Liz Cham, former executive assistant in the office of Prime Minister Whitlam, who recalls handing over a mystery letter to an American official just before the Dismissal.
The interview with Liz Cham was recorded on Thursday 30 October. This episode first aired on&nbsp;After America on Tuesday 25 November
<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; at checkout to save $5 off the price &ndash; available for a limited time only.
Guest: Elizabeth Cham, fellow at the University of Technology Sydney and former executive assistant in the office of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis.bsky.social">@emmashortis</a>
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ebonybennett.bsky.social">@ebonybennett</a>
Scripting and production support: Stephen Long
Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite
Show notes:
<a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/11/did-cia-overthrow-whitlam-government/">Did the CIA overthrow the Whitlam government?</a> by Charlie Lewis, Crikey (November 2025)
<a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/what-washington-really-thought-of-whitlam-before-the-dismissal-20251106-p5n8cf">What Washington really thought of Whitlam before the dismissal</a> by James Curran, Australia Financial Review (November 2025)
Theme music: 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="https://theausinstitute-my.sharepoint.com/qnap-nas-tai.tai.local/NAS_Media&amp;Marketing/Podcast/After%20America/Episode%20descriptions/podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>.

Rumours about America's role in the dismissal of Gough Whitlam have circulated for decades – but is there any truth to them? 

Summer Special | Did the US play a role in the Whitlam dismissal?

If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via their website, www.lifeline.org.au.

If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via their website, <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">www.lifeline.org.au</a>.

Look after yourselves and each other

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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