Australia's scandal-plagued consulting sector

How consultancies are regulated

The need for structural reform

After years of scandals, it’s time to break up Australia’s ‘big four’ consultancy firms.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Josh Bornstein and Skye Predavec join Ebony Bennett to discuss Australia’s scandal-plagued big consultancies, the impact of governments’ “orgy of outsourcing” to these firms, and why breaking up the ‘big four’ is the best way to prevent future misconduct.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday 2 September.

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest edition in the Vantage Point series, is available now.

Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

Guest: Josh Bornstein, Director, Corporate Regulation, the Australia Institute // @joshbornstein

Guest: Skye Predavec, Researcher, the Australia Institute // @skyelark

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

Show notes:

Break up the Big Four by Josh Bornstein, Skye Predavec and Anara Watson, the Australia Institute (August 2026)

The KPMG scandal: We have seen this show before by Josh Bornstein, The Point (July 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.

After years of scandals, it&rsquo;s time to break up Australia&rsquo;s &lsquo;big four&rsquo; consultancy firms.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Josh Bornstein and Skye Predavec join Ebony Bennett to discuss Australia&rsquo;s scandal-plagued big consultancies, the impact of governments&rsquo; &ldquo;orgy of outsourcing&rdquo; to these firms, and why breaking up the &lsquo;big four&rsquo; is the best way to prevent future misconduct.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday 2 September.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest edition in the Vantage Point series, is available now.
Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
Guest: Josh Bornstein, Director, Corporate Regulation, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/joshbornstein.bsky.social">@joshbornstein</a>
Guest: Skye Predavec, Researcher, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/skyelark.bsky.social">@skyelark</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/break-up-the-big-four/">Break up the Big Four</a> by Josh Bornstein, Skye Predavec and Anara Watson, the Australia Institute (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260721-the-kpmg-scandal-we-have-seen-this-show-before">The KPMG scandal: We have seen this show before</a> by Josh Bornstein, The Point (July 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.

After years of scandals, it’s time to break up Australia’s ‘big four’ consultancy firms.

Break up the 'big four': fixing Australia's scandal-plagued consulting sector

Housing becoming more affordable

National Construction Code

Situation for renters

Migration is not causing the housing crisis

Real wages are falling

Housing solutions

Tax gas exports, pay for public housing

The government took on housing investor tax concessions to bring prices down, but more action is needed to address the rental affordability crisis.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Maiy Azize and Matt Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett to discuss how the government’s changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing are allowing more first-homebuyers to enter the market, the data revealing that migration isn’t the cause of the housing crisis, and the dire situation facing Australian renters.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 25 August.

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest edition in the Vantage Point series, is available now.

Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

Guest: Maiy Azize, Chair, Everybody’s Home & Deputy Director, Anglicare Australia // @maiyazize

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

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

Show notes:

Priced Out 2026, Everybody’s Home (August 2026)

The Coalition’s answer to the housing crisis is a race to the bottom by Maiy Azize, The Point (August 2026)

House prices are cooling, exposing a stubborn political narrative for what it is by Maiy Azize, The Point (July 2026)

No, the housing tax changes won’t push up rents by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (August 2026)

It could take until 2037 to recover from Australia’s real wage collapse by Greg Jericho, The Point (August 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.

The government took on housing investor tax concessions to bring prices down, but more action is needed to address the rental affordability crisis.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Maiy Azize and Matt Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett to discuss how the government&rsquo;s changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing are allowing more first-homebuyers to enter the market, the data revealing that migration isn&rsquo;t the cause of the housing crisis, and the dire situation facing Australian renters.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 25 August.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest edition in the Vantage Point series, is available now.
Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
Guest: Maiy Azize, Chair, Everybody&rsquo;s Home &amp; Deputy Director, Anglicare Australia // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/maiyazize.bsky.social">@maiyazize</a>
Guest: Matt Grunoff, 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://everybodyshome.com.au/rent-hikes-costing-renters-weeks-of-work-a-year/">Priced Out 2026</a>, Everybody&rsquo;s Home (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260819-the-coalitions-answer-to-the-housing-crisis-is-a-race-to-the-bottom">The Coalition&rsquo;s answer to the housing crisis is a race to the bottom</a> by Maiy Azize, The Point (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260728-house-prices-are-cooling-exposing-a-stubborn-political-narrative-for-what-it-is">House prices are cooling, exposing a stubborn political narrative for what it is</a> by Maiy Azize, The Point (July 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260818-no-the-housing-tax-changes-wont-push-up-rents">No, the housing tax changes won&rsquo;t push up rents</a> by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (August 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/off-the-charts/260825-it-could-take-until-2037-to-recover-from-australias-real-wage-collapse">It could take until 2037 to recover from Australia&rsquo;s real wage collapse</a> by Greg Jericho, The Point (August 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.

The government took on housing investor tax concessions to bring prices down, but more action is needed to address the rental affordability crisis.

The housing crisis is far from over

Big Gas' "confidence trick"

Economies don't have backbones

The role of governments

Criticisms and excuses

Australia's big opportunity to tax gas

Australians have been dudded by the gas industry. It’s past time governments admitted it.

Dr Richard Denniss, Australia Institute co-CEO and author of More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss why Australia gives away gas to multinational corporations and why similarly dud deals could happen with Big Tech and other industries if we don’t learn lessons from the past.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 18 August.

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest edition in the Vantage Point series, is available now.

Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

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

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

Show notes:

Australia’s gas giveaway, the Australia Institute

David Pocock, Greens call for investigation into $1.5 billion Middle Arm investment 'shrouded in secrecy' by Roxanne Fitzgerald, ABC News (August 2024)

What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss, 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 Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Australians have been dudded by the gas industry. It&rsquo;s past time governments admitted it.
Dr Richard Denniss, Australia Institute co-CEO and author of <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a>, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss why Australia gives away gas to multinational corporations and why similarly dud deals could happen with Big Tech and other industries if we don&rsquo;t learn lessons from the past.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 18 August.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest edition in the Vantage Point series, is available now.
Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
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://gas.australiainstitute.org.au/">Australia&rsquo;s gas giveaway</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-22/middle-arm-industrial-precinct-nt-senate-inquiry-report-released/104250650">David Pocock, Greens call for investigation into $1.5 billion Middle Arm investment 'shrouded in secrecy'</a> by Roxanne Fitzgerald, ABC News (August 2024)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/news/category/podcasts/whats-the-point/">What&rsquo;s the Point? with Richard Denniss</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> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Australians have been dudded by the gas industry. It’s past time governments admitted it.

How the gas industry tricked Australia with Richard Denniss

The state of Australian politics

Gambling reforms

Climate policy & making polluters pay

The federal government’s response to the Murphy inquiry into online gambling harms has been “appalling”, says Andrew Wilkie MP.

Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Clark, joins the Australia Institute’s Noah Schultz-Byard to reflect on the government’s gambling reforms, making polluters pay for the damage they do to the climate, and the state of Australian politics.

This episode was recorded live as part of the Australia Institute’s webinar series on Wednesday 5 August.

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.

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

Guest: Andrew Wilkie, Independent Member for Clark // @andrewwilkiemp

Host: Noah Schultz-Byard, Strategy Director, the Australia Institute // @noah_sbyard

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

Show notes:

National Gambling Toll, the Australia Institute

SIGN THE PETITION: Ban online gambling ads!, the Australia Institute

Australia’s gas giveaway, the Australia Institute

Online gambling “reshaping a whole generation” as government reforms fall well short, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (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.

The federal government&rsquo;s response to the Murphy inquiry into online gambling harms has been &ldquo;appalling&rdquo;, says Andrew Wilkie MP.
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Clark, joins the Australia Institute&rsquo;s Noah Schultz-Byard to reflect on the government&rsquo;s gambling reforms, making polluters pay for the damage they do to the climate, and the state of Australian politics.
This episode was recorded live as part of the Australia Institute&rsquo;s webinar series on Wednesday 5 August.
If this episode raised issues for you, you can call the National Gambling Helpline on&nbsp;<a href="tel:1800858858">1800 858 858</a>&nbsp;for free, professional and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or <a href="http://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/">visit Gambling Help Online</a> at <a href="http://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au">www.gamblinghelponline.org.au</a>.
If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact <a href="http://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline</a>&nbsp;on 13 11 14 or online at <a href="http://www.lifeline.org.au">www.lifeline.org.au</a>.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now. Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
Guest: Andrew Wilkie, Independent Member for Clark // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social">@andrewwilkiemp</a>
Host: Noah Schultz-Byard, Strategy Director, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://x.com/noah_sbyard">@noah_sbyard</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://gambling-toll.australiainstitute.org.au/">National Gambling Toll</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/gambling">SIGN THE PETITION: Ban online gambling ads!</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://gas.australiainstitute.org.au/">Australia&rsquo;s gas giveaway</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/online-gambling-reshaping-a-whole-generation-as-government-reforms-fall-well-short/">Online gambling &ldquo;reshaping a whole generation&rdquo; as government reforms fall well short</a>, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (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.

The federal government’s response to the Murphy inquiry into online gambling harms has been “appalling”, says Andrew Wilkie MP.

“Appalling”: Wilkie slams government’s response to gambling inquiry

Carbon credits & the Great Koala National Park

Fossil fuel phase-out

Safeguard mechanism review + final thoughts

A recent decision by the New South Wales state government is a crack in the wall of Australian climate inaction.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Rod Campbell join Glenn Connley to discuss dodgy carbon credits, the Great Koala National Park in New South Wales, the federal government’s upcoming review of the Safeguard Mechanism, and the demise of Climate Active.

This episode was recorded Tuesday 4 August.

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

Get your tickets for the Australia Institute’s Climate Integrity Summit 2026 at the Parliament of New South Wales on Tuesday 15 September.

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

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

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 Safeguard Mechanism is failing miserably, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (July 2026)

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

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

A recent decision by the New South Wales state government is a crack in the wall of Australian climate inaction.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Rod Campbell join Glenn Connley to discuss dodgy carbon credits, the Great Koala National Park in New South Wales, the federal government&rsquo;s upcoming review of the Safeguard Mechanism, and the demise of Climate Active.
This episode was recorded Tuesday 4 August.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now. Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-climate-integrity-summit-2026">Get your tickets</a> for the Australia Institute&rsquo;s Climate Integrity Summit 2026 at the Parliament of New South Wales on Tuesday 15 September.
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: 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://australiainstitute.org.au/post/the-safeguard-mechanism-is-failing-miserably/">The Safeguard Mechanism is failing miserably</a>, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (July 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://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)
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.

A recent decision by the New South Wales state government is a crack in the wall of Australian climate inaction.

Is Australian climate policy finally heading in the right direction?

Big changes in the energy market

Australia's gas exports to Asia

Renewable energy in Asia

Electric vehicles + final thoughts

Much of the world is moving away from fossil fuels, so why is Australia’s gas industry still expanding?

On this episode of Follow the Money, renewable energy entrepreneur Assaad Razzouk joins Australia Institute co-CEO Leanne Minshull to discuss how the war on Iran is accelerating the global shift away from fossil fuels and why Australia risks being left behind.

This episode was recorded Wednesday 8 July.

Pre-order More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

Guest: Assaad Razzouk, renewable energy entrepreneur and host of The Angry Clean Energy Guy podcast // @assaadrazzouk

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

Show notes:

The Angry Clean Energy Guy with Assaad Razzouk

Australia's Gas Giveaway, 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 Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Much of the world is moving away from fossil fuels, so why is Australia&rsquo;s gas industry still expanding?
On this episode of Follow the Money, renewable energy entrepreneur Assaad Razzouk joins Australia Institute co-CEO Leanne Minshull to discuss how the war on Iran is accelerating the global shift away from fossil fuels and why Australia risks being left behind.
This episode was recorded Wednesday 8 July.
Pre-order <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
Guest: Assaad Razzouk, renewable energy entrepreneur and host of The Angry Clean Energy Guy podcast // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/assaadrazzouk.bsky.social">@assaadrazzouk</a>
Host: Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/leanneminshull.bsky.social">@leanneminshull</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://theangrycleanenergyguy.com/">The Angry Clean Energy Guy</a> with Assaad Razzouk
<a href="https://gas.australiainstitute.org.au/">Australia's Gas Giveaway</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> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Much of the world is moving away from fossil fuels, so why is Australia’s gas industry still expanding?

Is the fossil fuel industry facing an “imminent extinction event”?

World Cup, Iran, Canada tariffs

The midterms & Trump's election claims

SAVE America Act

Damage to institutions of US democracy

Australian views of the US

Is the Australian government prepared?

No one knows what’ll happen at the November midterms or the next presidential election. Is the Australian government prepared for the worst-case scenario?

On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis joins Glenn Connley to discuss the upcoming midterm elections in the United States, how the Trump administration has been chipping away at the guardrails of American democracy, and whether the Australian government is prepared for the possibility of disputed elections in its major alliance partner.

This episode was recorded Tuesday 21 July.

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

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

Show notes:

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

Trump administration chips away at independent media, faith in democracy, After America, the Australia Institute (July 2026)

Christopher Pyne declares AUKUS 'unstoppable', and says Parliament shouldn't vote on it, The Point (July 2026)

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. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

No one knows what&rsquo;ll happen at the November midterms or the next presidential election. Is the Australian government prepared for the worst-case scenario?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis joins Glenn Connley to discuss the upcoming midterm elections in the United States, how the Trump administration has been chipping away at the guardrails of American democracy, and whether the Australian government is prepared for the possibility of disputed elections in its major alliance partner.
This episode was recorded Tuesday 21 July.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director, 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/store/after-america-vantage-point-issue-1">After America: Australia and the new world order</a> by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/trump-administration-chips-away-at-independent-media-faith-in-democracy/">Trump administration chips away at independent media, faith in democracy</a>, After America, the Australia Institute (July 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/new/260717-christopher-pyne-declares-aukus-unstoppable-and-says-parliament-shouldnt-vote-on-it">Christopher Pyne declares AUKUS 'unstoppable', and says Parliament shouldn't vote on it</a>, The Point (July 2026)
<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&nbsp;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>. 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.

No one knows what’ll happen at the November midterms or the next presidential election. Is the Australian government prepared for the worst-case scenario?

As American democracy faces huge tests, is Australia prepared for the worst?

Introducing The Australia Institute's new podcast series, What's the Point? with Richard Denniss.

Subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

***

On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses how global gas industry has pulled off the greatest con in Australia’s history, and why Australians are living with the consequences. He spells out the simple steps we need to take to fix it. 

This episode was recorded on Friday 10 July.

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

Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang

Show notes:

A National Plebiscite for a 25% Gas Export Tax, the Australia Institute

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, Australia Institute Press (forthcoming)

Climate Integrity Summit 2026 tickets

For more research and analysis, visit The Point.

Introducing The Australia Institute's new podcast series, What's the Point? with Richard Denniss.
Subscribe to&nbsp;the show&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgXQ0oSpA60zbnbOH5xNLdinbxKeW2JqH&amp;si=fKjXy59qM9uUQ77q">YouTube</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/whats-the-point-with-richard-denniss/id1896871574">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/033rDEIEiJCMwPEwADjpfb">Spotify</a>&nbsp;or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
***
On this episode of What&rsquo;s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses how global gas industry has pulled off the greatest con in Australia&rsquo;s history, and why Australians are living with the consequences. He spells out the simple steps we need to take to fix it.  This episode was recorded on Friday 10 July. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang
Show notes: <a href="https://gas-plebiscite.australiainstitute.org.au/">A National Plebiscite for a 25% Gas Export Tax</a>, the Australia Institute <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, Australia Institute Press (forthcoming) <a href="https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-climate-integrity-summit-2026?c=website">Climate Integrity Summit 2026 tickets</a> For more research and analysis, visit <a href="https://thepoint.com.au/">The Point.</a>

Introducing The Australia Institute's new podcast series, What's the Point? with Richard Denniss.

BONUS | What's the point of a gas export tax?

Labor's win, Liberals' collapse

Independents and the end of 'safe seats'

Rise of One Nation

What next for the Greens?

Richard Denniss and Amy Remeikis discuss the dramatic changes in Australia’s political landscape since Labor’s landslide election victory.

In May 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the Labor Party to a historic victory and the Liberal Party suffered its worst result since World War 2. But with the rise of One Nation at home and crises multiplying abroad, the world already looks very different to how it did at the election.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute co-CEO Richard Denniss, Chief Political Analyst Amy Remeikis and Democracy & Accountability Director Bill Browne discuss what’s changed in Australian politics since the last election and where it might go from here.

This episode was recorded live on Thursday 9 July.

Subscribe for updates from the Australia Institute to be notified about all of our events and webinars.

Pre-order More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.

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

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

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

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

Show notes:

Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss, Australia Institute Press (August 2025)

There is no such thing as a safe seat | Fact sheet, the Australia Institute (October 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.

Richard Denniss and Amy Remeikis discuss the dramatic changes in Australia&rsquo;s political landscape since Labor&rsquo;s landslide election victory.
In May 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the Labor Party to a historic victory and the Liberal Party suffered its worst result since World War 2. But with the rise of One Nation at home and crises multiplying abroad, the world already looks very different to how it did at the election.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute co-CEO Richard Denniss, Chief Political Analyst Amy Remeikis and Democracy &amp; Accountability Director Bill Browne discuss what&rsquo;s changed in Australian politics since the last election and where it might go from here.
This episode was recorded live on Thursday 9 July.
<a href="https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/subscribe">Subscribe for updates</a> from the Australia Institute to be notified about all of our events and webinars.
Pre-order <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Use the code &lsquo;FOOLME&rsquo; on <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">a four-edition Vantage Point subscription</a> to receive a free copy of Richard&rsquo;s book, Econobabble.
Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/richarddenniss.bsky.social">@richarddenniss</a>
Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // <a href="http://bsky.app/profile/amyremeikis.bsky.social">@amyremeikis</a>
Host: 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://australiainstitute.org.au/store/dead-centre-vantage-point-issue-2">Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us</a> by Richard Denniss, Australia Institute Press (August 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-safe-seat-fact-sheet/">There is no such thing as a safe seat | Fact sheet</a>, the Australia Institute (October 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.

Richard Denniss and Amy Remeikis discuss the dramatic changes in Australia’s political landscape since Labor’s landslide election victory.

After the landslide: Australian politics since the 2025 election

The states aren't broke

But the GST revenue hasn't flowed as promised

Some exemptions fuel inequality

Possible solutions

Recap

States and territories are missing out on tens of billions in revenue each year because the GST isn’t growing as promised.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Rod Campbell and Matt Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett to discuss the reasons why the GST hasn't grown as promised, how exemptions for private schools and private insurance exacerbate inequality, and how governments can ensure they’re providing the high-quality services Australians deserve.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 7 July.

Check out the new Australia Institute podcast series, What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss. It’s available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite shows.

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

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

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

Show notes:

The cost of slow growth in GST revenue. The growing problem of short-changing the states by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (September 2025)

GST Reform: How to stop the states being short-changed by Richard Denniss, Matt Grudnoff & Dave Richardson, the Australia Institute (July 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. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Castsor wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

States and territories are missing out on tens of billions in revenue each year because the GST isn&rsquo;t growing as promised.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Rod Campbell and Matt Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett to discuss the reasons why the GST hasn't grown as promised, how exemptions for private schools and private insurance exacerbate inequality, and how governments can ensure they&rsquo;re providing the high-quality services Australians deserve.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 7 July.
Check out the new Australia Institute podcast series, What&rsquo;s the Point? with Richard Denniss. It&rsquo;s available now on <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgXQ0oSpA60zbnbOH5xNLdinbxKeW2JqH&amp;si=fKjXy59qM9uUQ77q">YouTube</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/whats-the-point-with-richard-denniss/id1896871574">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/033rDEIEiJCMwPEwADjpfb">Spotify</a> or wherever you get your favourite shows.
Guest: Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/rodcampbell.bsky.social">@rodcampbell</a>
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/report/the-cost-of-slow-growth-in-gst-revenue-the-growing-problem-of-short-changing-the-states/">The cost of slow growth in GST revenue. The growing problem of short-changing the states</a> by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (September 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/gst-reform/">GST Reform: How to stop the states being short-changed</a> by Richard Denniss, Matt Grudnoff &amp; Dave Richardson, the Australia Institute (July 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>. 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.

States and territories are missing out on tens of billions in revenue each year because the GST isn’t growing as promised.

Australian states aren’t going broke, but they are being ripped off

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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