These days, Aussie music is falling out of the charts, leaving local acts wondering if they’ll ever see your face again.

INXS. Kyle Minogue. Even the Wiggles. Australia has an incredible musical legacy, but with declining streaming numbers and revenues heading abroad, will the Aussie musician just become somebody we used to know? On this episode of Follow the Money, former Spotify Chief Economist Will Page and Australia Institute Research Manager Morgan Harrington join Ebony Bennett to discuss how to reverse the decline of Australian music.

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.

Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now.

Guest: Will Page, Strategic Advisory, Pivotal Economics

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

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

Show notes:

Reversing the decline of Australian music: Australia’s ‘one way valve’ dilemma by Will Page and Morgan Harrington, the Australia Institute (November 2025)

Immy Owusu

RVG

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.

These days, Aussie music is falling out of the charts, leaving local acts wondering if they&rsquo;ll ever see your face again.
INXS. Kyle Minogue. Even the Wiggles. Australia has an incredible musical legacy, but with declining streaming numbers and revenues heading abroad, will the Aussie musician just become somebody we used to know? On this episode of Follow the Money, former Spotify Chief Economist Will Page and Australia Institute Research Manager Morgan Harrington join Ebony Bennett to discuss how to reverse the decline of Australian music.
<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/aiming-higher-vantage-point-issue-3">Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia&rsquo;s future</a> by Professor George Williams is also available now.
Guest: Will Page, Strategic Advisory, Pivotal Economics
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="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/australian-music-streaming/">Reversing the decline of Australian music: Australia&rsquo;s &lsquo;one way valve&rsquo; dilemma</a> by Will Page and Morgan Harrington, the Australia Institute (November 2025)
<a href="https://immyowusu.com/">Immy Owusu</a>
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4a2c6VZMfp0CdNg1JgSPR9?si=lJSZmfN8TH2ONro-gFy78A">RVG</a>
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>.

These days, Aussie music is falling out of the charts, leaving local acts wondering if they’ll ever see your face again.

Highway to hell? Reversing the decline of Australian music

Australian scientific discoveries have improved people’s lives and made the economy more productive – so why is the CSIRO being forced to shed workers again?

On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff and Ebony Bennett discuss the latest job cuts at the CSIRO, why this is a missed opportunity as researchers leave the United States, and why science investment matters for productivity.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘SAVE5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.

Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now.

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

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

Show notes:

If the Government's top priority is productivity, slashing the CSIRO budget does not make sense by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (November 2025)

The Wage Price Index (WPI) shows wages are up. So why doesn't it feel that way? by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (November 2025)

Who needs world-changing, life-saving science when you’ve got rugby league? by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (November 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.

Australian scientific discoveries have improved people&rsquo;s lives and made the economy more productive &ndash; so why is the CSIRO being forced to shed workers again?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff and Ebony Bennett discuss the latest job cuts at the CSIRO, why this is a missed opportunity as researchers leave the United States, and why science investment matters for productivity.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/a-time-for-bravery">A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage</a> is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code &lsquo;SAVE5&rsquo; at checkout to save $5 off the price &ndash; available for a limited time only.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/aiming-higher-vantage-point-issue-3">Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia&rsquo;s future</a> by Professor George Williams is also available 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://thepoint.com.au/news/251127-if-the-governments-top-priority-is-productivity-slashing-the-csiro-budget-does-not-make-sense">If the Government's top priority is productivity, slashing the CSIRO budget does not make sense</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (November 2025)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/news/251120-the-wage-price-index-wpi-shows-wages-are-up-so-why-doesnt-it-feel-that-way">The Wage Price Index (WPI) shows wages are up. So why doesn't it feel that way?</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (November 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/who-needs-world-changing-life-saving-science-when-youve-got-rugby-league/">Who needs world-changing, life-saving science when you&rsquo;ve got rugby league?</a> by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (November 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>.

Australian scientific discoveries improve people’s lives and made the economy more productive – so why is the CSIRO being forced to shed workers again?

What have the scientists ever done for us?

With brave climate leadership, says former South Australian Premier Mike Rann, Anthony Albanese could leave a lasting legacy similar to Bob Hawke with Medicare, Paul Keating with compulsory superannuation and Kevin Rudd with the apology to the Stolen Generations.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Mike Rann addresses the fossil fuel industry’s tobacco-like tactics, South Australia’s leadership of progressive reform, and why policy bravery can be great politics, as he delivered the Australia Institute’s Hugh Saddler Memorial Lecture.

This episode was recorded live on Thursday 13 November.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press.

Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now.

Guest: Mike Rann, Chair of the UK Climate Group and former Premier of South Australia // @Mike_Rann

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

Show notes:

Coalition offers crash course on staying in opposition for forever by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (November 2025)

Australia Last: The failure of Australian gas policy by Matthew Saunders and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (November 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.

With brave climate leadership, says former South Australian Premier Mike Rann, Anthony Albanese could leave a lasting legacy similar to Bob Hawke with Medicare, Paul Keating with compulsory superannuation and Kevin Rudd with the apology to the Stolen Generations.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Mike Rann addresses the fossil fuel industry&rsquo;s tobacco-like tactics, South Australia&rsquo;s leadership of progressive reform, and why policy bravery can be great politics, as he delivered the Australia Institute&rsquo;s Hugh Saddler Memorial Lecture.
This episode was recorded live on Thursday 13 November.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/a-time-for-bravery">A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage</a>&nbsp;is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/aiming-higher-vantage-point-issue-3">Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia&rsquo;s future</a> by Professor George Williams is also available now.
Guest: Mike Rann, Chair of the UK Climate Group and former Premier of South Australia // <a href="https://x.com/Mike_Rann">@Mike_Rann</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/coalition-offers-crash-course-on-staying-in-opposition-for-forever/">Coalition offers crash course on staying in opposition for forever</a> by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (November 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/australia-last-the-failure-of-australian-gas-policy/">Australia Last: The failure of Australian gas policy</a> by Matthew Saunders and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (November 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>.

With brave climate leadership, says former South Australian Premier Mike Rann, Anthony Albanese could leave a lasting legacy similar to Bob Hawke with Medicare, Paul Keating with compulsory superannuation and Kevin Rudd with the apology to the Stolen Generations.

Mike Rann: how Albanese can leave a brave climate legacy

Becoming an activist

Taking on powerful interests

Murujuga & the EPBC

Protecting Australia’s incredible natural environment from bad policy, spurred on corporate interests and a hostile media, can sometimes feel like an impossible task. But sometimes, people power wins out.

On this episode of Follow the Money, former head of the Australian Greens Bob Brown joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the irreplaceable beauty of Australia’s natural environment, the current government’s efforts to change our nature laws, and his latest book, Defiance: Stories from Nature and Its Defenders.

This episode was recorded live on Friday 31 October as part of our Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinar series. Join the Book Club to find out about our upcoming webinars with authors.

Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is available now via Australia Institute Press.

Guest: Bob Brown, environmentalist, author and former head of the Australian Greens

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

Show notes:

Defiance: Stories from Nature and Its Defenders by Bob Brown, Black Inc. (September 2025)

This shocking deal is a gross betrayal of millions of voters by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (October 2025)

The fight to save Murujuga, the Australia Institute (June 2025)

North West Shelf final approval a climate, economic and energy security disaster, the Australia Institute (September 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.

Protecting Australia&rsquo;s incredible natural environment from bad policy, spurred on corporate interests and a hostile media, can sometimes feel like an impossible task. But sometimes, people power wins out.
On this episode of Follow the Money, former head of the Australian Greens Bob Brown joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the irreplaceable beauty of Australia&rsquo;s natural environment, the current government&rsquo;s efforts to change our nature laws, and his latest book, <a href="https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/defiance">Defiance: Stories from Nature and Its Defenders</a>.
This episode was recorded live on Friday 31 October as part of our Australia&rsquo;s Biggest Book Club webinar series. Join the <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/events/australias-biggest-book-club/">Book Club</a> to find out about our upcoming webinars with authors.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/aiming-higher-vantage-point-issue-3">Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia&rsquo;s future</a> by Professor George Williams is available now via Australia Institute Press.
Guest: Bob Brown, environmentalist, author and former head of the Australian Greens
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.blackincbooks.com.au/books/defiance">Defiance: Stories from Nature and Its Defenders</a> by Bob Brown, Black Inc. (September 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/this-shocking-deal-is-a-gross-betrayal-of-millions-of-voters/">This shocking deal is a gross betrayal of millions of voters</a> by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (October 2025)
<a href="https://youtu.be/Bj9VOMKYxSI?si=mIaXRu1OrldCrGQx">The fight to save Murujuga</a>, the Australia Institute (June 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/north-west-shelf-final-approval-a-climate-economic-and-energy-security-disaster/">North West Shelf final approval a climate, economic and energy security disaster</a>, the Australia Institute (September 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>.

Protecting Australia’s incredible natural environment from bad policy, spurred on corporate interests and a hostile media, can sometimes feel like an impossible task. But sometimes, people power wins out.

Defending nature with Bob Brown

What's going on in universities?

Some unis are crying poor

How to address the issues

Poor governance, poor policy and decades of neoliberalism have broken Australia’s university sector, with devastating consequences for students and the country.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Richard Denniss and Ebony Bennett discuss the lack of accountability in Australia’s universities, why some institutions’ claims of financial crises aren’t supported by their auditors, and what Australians think about the state of the sector.

Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is available now via Australia Institute Press.

Guest: Richard Denniss, co-CEO, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss

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

Show notes:

Australians believe universities are too expensive and not doing their job: polling, the Australia Institute (November 2025)

There is no financial crisis at the University of Newcastle: new analysis, the Australia Institute (October 2025)

The ANU’s hidden $90m budget surplus, the Australia Institute (October 2025)

Failing the test: Australian universities in crisis, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (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.

Poor governance, poor policy and decades of neoliberalism have broken Australia&rsquo;s university sector, with devastating consequences for students and the country.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Richard Denniss and Ebony Bennett discuss the lack of accountability in Australia&rsquo;s universities, why some institutions&rsquo; claims of financial crises aren&rsquo;t supported by their auditors, and what Australians think about the state of the sector.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/aiming-higher-vantage-point-issue-3">Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia&rsquo;s future</a> by Professor George Williams is available now via Australia Institute Press.
Guest: Richard Denniss, co-CEO, 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://australiainstitute.org.au/post/australians-believe-universities-are-too-expensive-and-not-doing-their-job-polling/">Australians believe universities are too expensive and not doing their job: polling</a>, the Australia Institute (November 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/there-is-no-financial-crisis-at-the-university-of-newcastle-new-analysis/">There is no financial crisis at the University of Newcastle: new analysis</a>, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/the-anus-hidden-90m-budget-surplus/">The ANU&rsquo;s hidden $90m budget surplus</a>, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/failing-the-test-australian-universities-in-crisis/">Failing the test: Australian universities in crisis</a>, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (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>.

Poor governance, poor policy and decades of neoliberalism have broken Australia’s university sector, with devastating consequences for students and the country.

A broken university system is letting Australia down

Environmental law changes

Adani's mates' rates

Time to drop the PRRT?

Australia’s natural environment is in crisis and its wealth is disappearing into the hands of a few powerful fossil fuel companies – but it doesn’t have to be this way.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Rod Campbell and Ebony Bennett discuss the lack of political will to properly protect the natural environment, a proposal for a 25% gas export tax to replace the Petroleum Resources Rent Tax, and new research showing that Adani cost Queenslanders hundreds of millions of dollars by selling coal at mates’ rates.

Strong environment laws stop new coal and gas. You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to genuinely strengthen Australia’s environment laws.

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

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

Show notes:

Can Albanese claim ‘success’ with Trump? Beyond the banter, the vague commitments should be viewed with scepticism by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 2025)

Environment minister could approve projects at odds with nature laws under Labor overhaul by Dan Jervis-Bardy and Adam Morton, Guardian Australia (October 2025)

Adani selling coal to India at mates rates, costing Queenslanders $400 million, the Australia Institute (October 2025)

Progressive patriotism: ACTU’s 25% gas export tax should replace broken PRRT, the Australia Institute (October 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.

Australia&rsquo;s natural environment is in crisis and its wealth is disappearing into the hands of a few powerful fossil fuel companies &ndash; but it doesn&rsquo;t have to be this way.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Rod Campbell and Ebony Bennett discuss the lack of political will to properly protect the natural environment, a proposal for a 25% gas export tax to replace the Petroleum Resources Rent Tax, and new research showing that Adani cost Queenslanders hundreds of millions of dollars by selling coal at mates&rsquo; rates.
Strong environment laws stop new coal and gas. You can <a href="https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/aukus_parliamentary_inquiry_now">sign our petition</a> calling on the Australian Government to genuinely strengthen Australia&rsquo;s environment laws.
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://theconversation.com/can-albanese-claim-success-with-trump-beyond-the-banter-the-vague-commitments-should-be-viewed-with-scepticism-267434">Can Albanese claim &lsquo;success&rsquo; with Trump? Beyond the banter, the vague commitments should be viewed with&nbsp;scepticism</a> by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 2025)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/27/environment-minister-could-approve-projects-at-odds-with-nature-laws-under-labor-overhaul">Environment minister could approve projects at odds with nature laws under Labor overhaul</a> by Dan Jervis-Bardy and Adam Morton, Guardian Australia (October 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/adani-selling-coal-to-india-at-mates-rates-costing-queenslanders-400-million/">Adani selling coal to India at mates rates, costing Queenslanders $400 million</a>, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/progressive-patriotism-actus-25-gas-export-tax-should-replace-broken-prrt/">Progressive patriotism: ACTU&rsquo;s 25% gas export tax should replace broken PRRT</a>, the Australia Institute (October 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>.

Australia’s natural environment is in crisis and its wealth is disappearing into the hands of a few powerful fossil fuel companies – but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Mates’ rates and why Australia can’t have nice things

Albanese at the White House

Don meets Kevin 07

Gaza and the ceasefire

American democracy teetering

How Australia can respond

Anthony Albanese’s meeting with Donald Trump was relatively drama-free, but the devil is in the detail when it comes to the president’s ‘commitments’ on AUKUS and critical minerals.

On this crossover episode of Follow the Money and After America, Dr Emma Shortis and Ebony Bennett discuss why Australia is still unlikely to receive any Virginia-class submarines, why the “shared values” that supposedly underpin the Australia-US alliance are looking increasingly shaky, and Trump’s bizarre AI video showing himself dropping excrement on protesters.

You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.

After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis is available via Australia Institute Press.

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

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

Show notes:

Can Albanese claim ‘success’ with Trump? Beyond the banter, the vague commitments should be viewed with scepticism by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 2025)

Albanese hints US could still seek changes to Aukus agreement amid review by Josh Butler, Guardian Australia (October 2025)

Trump’s shutdown power play, After America, the Australia Institute (October 2025)

Trump’s tragedy: the US becomes an autocracy and the presidency, a dictatorship by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 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.

Anthony Albanese&rsquo;s meeting with Donald Trump was relatively drama-free, but the devil is in the detail when it comes to the president&rsquo;s &lsquo;commitments&rsquo; on AUKUS and critical minerals.
On this crossover episode of Follow the Money and After America, Dr Emma Shortis and Ebony Bennett discuss why Australia is still unlikely to receive any Virginia-class submarines, why the &ldquo;shared values&rdquo; that supposedly underpin the Australia-US alliance are looking increasingly shaky, and Trump&rsquo;s bizarre AI video showing himself dropping excrement on protesters.
You can <a href="https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/aukus_parliamentary_inquiry_now">sign our petition</a> calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
<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 is available via Australia Institute Press.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director of 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>
Show notes:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/can-albanese-claim-success-with-trump-beyond-the-banter-the-vague-commitments-should-be-viewed-with-scepticism-267434">Can Albanese claim &lsquo;success&rsquo; with Trump? Beyond the banter, the vague commitments should be viewed with&nbsp;scepticism</a> by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 2025)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/21/albanese-says-us-could-still-seek-changes-to-aukus-agreement-amid-review">Albanese hints US could still seek changes to Aukus agreement amid review</a> by Josh Butler, Guardian Australia (October 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/trumps-shutdown-power-play/">Trump&rsquo;s shutdown power play</a>, After America, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
<a href="https://theconversation.com/trumps-tragedy-the-us-becomes-an-autocracy-and-the-presidency-a-dictatorship-266675">Trump&rsquo;s tragedy: the US becomes an autocracy and the presidency, a dictatorship</a> by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 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>.

Anthony Albanese’s meeting with Donald Trump was relatively drama-free, but the devil is in the detail when it comes to the president’s ‘commitments’ on AUKUS and critical minerals.

Albanese visits Trump as US democracy circles a golden drain

What's wrong with the laws

What's being negotiated

The government's record on environment laws

Climate & Australia's Pacific diplomacy

Why getting this right matters

Environment laws that don’t stop new gas and coal are like putting screen doors on a submarine.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Ebony Bennett discuss the Federal Government’s efforts to push through changes to Australia’s busted environment laws with the support of the Coalition.

Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via Australia Institute Press.

Guest: Leanne Minshull, co-CEO, the Australia Institute // @leanneminshull

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

Show notes:

This shocking deal is a gross betrayal of millions of voters by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (October 2025)

Top Australian scientists unite in defence of science on Maugean skate, the Australia Institute

No delay, no excuses, no carbon offsets: Submission to the NSW Koala Strategy Review by Adam Gottschalk and Polly Hemming, the Australia Institute (May 2024)

Save Tuvalu, Save the World, 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.

Environment laws that don&rsquo;t stop new gas and coal are like putting screen doors on a submarine.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Ebony Bennett discuss the Federal Government&rsquo;s efforts to push through changes to Australia&rsquo;s busted environment laws with the support of the Coalition.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/">available now</a> via Australia Institute Press.
Guest: Leanne Minshull, co-CEO, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/leanneminshull.bsky.social">@leanneminshull</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/this-shocking-deal-is-a-gross-betrayal-of-millions-of-voters/">This shocking deal is a gross betrayal of millions of voters</a> by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (October 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/top-australian-scientists-unite-in-defence-of-science-on-maugean-skate/">Top Australian scientists unite in defence of science on Maugean skate</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/no-delay-no-excuses-no-carbon-offsets/">No delay, no excuses, no carbon offsets: Submission to the NSW Koala Strategy Review</a> by Adam Gottschalk and Polly Hemming, the Australia Institute (May 2024)
<a href="https://youtu.be/O3f1v60pA7s?si=dRKhD_WBnL94vnpF">Save Tuvalu, Save the World</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>.

Environment laws that don’t stop new gas and coal are like putting screen doors on a submarine.

Fixing Australia's "arse-backwards" environment laws

Corporate tax stats

Gas, coal, salmon & tech

Australia is a low-taxing nation

If Australia just collected the OECD average in tax, the government would have an extra $130 billion a year to spend on essential services like health and education.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff and Ebony Bennett discuss the latest data from the Australian Taxation Office showing that 30 per cent of large corporations paid no company tax in 2023-24 – with the gas, coal, salmon and tech industries among the worst offenders.

Use the code ‘podcast’ to get 50% off tickets to the Australia Institute’s Revenue Summit. Discount available for Follow the Money listeners while stocks last.

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

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

Show notes:

New government data confirms gas exporters continue to pay no tax, the Australia Institute (October 2025)

Big gas is taking the piss, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (April 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.

If Australia just collected the OECD average in tax, the government would have an extra $130 billion a year to spend on essential services like health and education.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff and Ebony Bennett discuss the latest data from the Australian Taxation Office showing that 30 per cent of large corporations paid no company tax in 2023-24 &ndash; with the gas, coal, salmon and tech industries among the worst offenders.
Use the code &lsquo;podcast&rsquo; to get <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/revenue-summit-2025?discountcode=PODCAST">50% off tickets to the Australia Institute&rsquo;s Revenue Summit</a>. Discount available for Follow the Money listeners while stocks last.
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/new-government-data-confirms-gas-exporters-continue-to-pay-no-tax/">New government data confirms gas exporters continue to pay no tax</a>, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/big-gas-is-taking-the-piss/">Big gas is taking the piss</a>, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (April 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>.

If Australia just collected the OECD average in tax, the government would have an extra $130 billion a year to spend on essential services like health and education.

Australia is a rich country that taxes like a poor one

With the international order changing rapidly, there’s never been a more important time for effective Australian diplomacy.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis and Glenn Connley discuss Anthony Albanese’s major diplomatic tour, the US Defense Secretary’s concerning warning to his top brass, and why the Trump-Netanyahu peace plan seems “doomed to fail”.

You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.

After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis is available via Australia Institute Press.

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

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

Show notes:

After America, the Australia Institute

Australia’s failure of diplomacy in PNG shows we can’t – and won’t – understand our Pacific neighbours by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (September 2025)

Is Australia REALLY choosing to help our Pacific neighbours? The Australia Institute on YouTube (August 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.

With the international order changing rapidly, there&rsquo;s never been a more important time for effective Australian diplomacy.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis and Glenn Connley discuss Anthony Albanese&rsquo;s major diplomatic tour, the US Defense Secretary&rsquo;s concerning warning to his top brass, and why the Trump-Netanyahu peace plan seems &ldquo;doomed to fail&rdquo;.
You can <a href="https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/aukus_parliamentary_inquiry_now">sign our petition</a> calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/After-America-Vantage-Point-Issue-1-p726546251">After America: Australia and the new world order</a> by Emma Shortis is available via Australia Institute Press.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director of International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis.bsky.social">@emmashortis</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://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/18/australias-failure-of-diplomacy-in-png-shows-we-cant-and-wont-understand-our-pacific-neighbours">Australia&rsquo;s failure of diplomacy in PNG shows we can&rsquo;t &ndash; and won&rsquo;t &ndash; understand our Pacific neighbours</a> by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (September 2025)
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JM2U_yYum0">Is Australia REALLY choosing to help our Pacific neighbours?</a> The Australia Institute on YouTube (August 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>.

With the international order changing rapidly, there’s never been a more important time for effective Australian diplomacy.

Will Australia step up on the global stage?

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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