Follow The Money

Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023. 

On 15 September 2008 came the collapse of Lehmann Brothers, the largest bankruptcy in US history. This set off a chain reaction and had a massive impact on the Australia financial system and economy. Across the northern hemisphere the GFC became known as the Great Recession. But in Australia the economy was spared the large rises in unemployment that occurred in the USA and Europe as well as the collapse of major financial institutions.

This was recorded on Friday 15th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Wayne Swan, National President of the ALP, former Labor Member for Lilley and former Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer of Australia // @SwannyQLD

Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute and the Centre for Future Work // @GrogsGamut

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023. 

Australia?s native forests are not only home to some of our most vulnerable and threatened species, they hold critical cultural and ecological value. While native forest logging is being phased out in Western Australia and Victoria, other states are failing to take action to protect these iconic and precious ecosystems from logging.

This was recorded on Wednesday 4th October 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Bob Brown, Environmentalist, Bob Brown Foundation // @BobBrownFndn

Polly Hemming, Director, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming

Prof Brendan Mackey, Director, Griffith Climate Action Beacon, Griffith University

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023. 

The first person will face trial in relation to Australian war crimes in Afghanistan is David McBride, the whistleblower on trial, not an alleged war criminal.

On the eve of David McBride?s trial, a distinguished panel of experts discussed what?s at stake, what it says that whistleblower not a war criminal is facing trial, and the right to truth and accountability when whistleblowers are facing prosecution.

This was recorded on Friday 10th November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Rex Patrick, Former independent Senator and Whistleblower Justice Fund Founder // @MrRexPatrick

Hadi Marifat, Director and co-founder of the Afghanistan Human Rights and Democracy Organization // @HMarifat

Rawan Arraf, Executive Director of the Australian Centre for International Justice // @rawanarraf

Kieran Pender, senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre // @KieranHRLC

Sharara Attai, Executive Director of the Islamophobia Register Australia

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023. 

What if we?re thinking about inflation wrong? Join renowned economist Isabella Weber, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for a discussion about the economics and politics of seller?s inflation.

This was recorded on Thursday 7th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Isabella M Weber,  Assistant Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst // @IsabellaMWeber

Jim Stanford, Director of the Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute // @JimboStanford

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023. 

This episode, we're listening back to one of our most popular episodes from the year with our Executive Director Richard Denniss, digging into the cycle of corporate profits, inflation, and low wages. 

This was recorded on Wednesday 7th June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023. 

One of the great mysteries of Australian life is that a land of sweeping plains, with one of the lowest population densities on the planet, has a shortage of land for houses. As a result, Sydney?s median house price is the second most expensive on Earth, after Hong Kong?s. Alan Kohler discusses his latest essay and tells the story of how we got into this mess ? and how we might get out of it.

This was recorded on Tuesday 28th November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Alan Kohler, Finance Presenter, ABC News // @AlanKohler

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023. 

This year has been a doozy in Australian politics, and we need to talk about it. We invited a panel of distinguished press gallery journalists along to our Politics in the Pub live event, to give us the low down on what's happened, and wrap things up for us for the year.

This was recorded on Wednesday 29th November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Amy Remeikis, Political reporter, Guardian Australia // @AmyRemeikis

Adrian Rollins, Economics correspondent, the Canberra Times // @RollinsA

Pablo Viñales, Political Correspondent, SBS News // @pablovinales

Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @StephenLongAus

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Nations annual climate conference, COP28, is wrapping up, and it's crunch time. Is there going to be a mention of actually phasing out fossil fuels? Or will we have more of avoiding the issue?

This was recorded on Tuesday 12th December 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute

Guest: Polly Hemming, Director, Climate & Energy program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Maugean skate, native to Macquarie Harbour, is running out of time. It's facing extinction, due in large part to the Tasmanian salmon industry. 

This was recorded on Monday 4th December 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute

Guest: Eloise Carr, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @GeneveraE

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clive Palmer, one of Australia's richest men, is suing Australia for at least $41.3bn, claiming it breached the ASEAN free trade agreement in relation to coal exploration permits. But he's doing so...as a foreign investor?

Stephen Long explains how Clive Palmer?s controversial legal strategies challenge Australia?s trade agreements and environmental laws.

Stephen Long is a Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor at the Australia Institute, and Walkley Award winning journalist, previously at ABC's Four Corners.

This was recorded on Tuesday 28th November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute

Guest: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @StephenLongAus

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a less than ideal week for the government, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has copped some criticism for how much overseas travel he?s been doing. Most PMs have been subject to criticism for travelling, so how seriously should we take it this time? 

This was recorded on Tuesday 21st November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Dr Emma Shortis, Senior Researcher, International & Security Affairs program, the Australia Institute // @EmmaShortis

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic data can tell us a lot about what's happening in society and the economy.  Introducing the Autralia Institute's brand new podcast, Dollars & Sense, with Greg Jericho, Chief Economist at the Australia Institute and the Centre for Future Work and popular columnist of Grogonomics with Guardian Australia.

In Dollars & Sense, each week, Greg Jericho will dive into the latest economic figures, and explain what they can tell us about what's happening in the economy, how it will impact you and where things are headed.

In this episode, Greg unpacks the latest wage price data and why lots of people got a payrise in the September quarter. 

Recorded on Thursday 19 November 2023. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram or visit our website.

Subscribe to Between the Lines, the Australia Institute's fortnightly-ish newsletter.

Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute and Centre for Future Work

Producer: Jennifer Macey 

Theme Music: Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is one of the few countries with a developed research sector that does not have a research integrity watchdog, instead relying on research institutions to initiate and oversee investigations into their own researchers.

This was recorded on Wednesday 15th November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Dr Kristen Scicluna, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the Australia Institute // @kristenscicluna

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The RBA has delivered its first interest rate rise since Michelle Bullock took over from Philip Lowe as Governor, up 25 basis points to 4.35%, the highest in 12 years. So what needs to change for the pain to stop?

This was recorded on Tuesday 7th November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @GrogsGamut

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By exposing human rights abuses, government wrongdoing and corporate misconduct, whistleblowers like David McBride and Richard Boyle make Australia a better place.

Yet too often in Australia, whistleblowers are prosecuted rather than supported.

This was recorded on Tuesday 24th October 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Kieran Pender, senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre // @KieranHRLC

Professor Peter Greste, award-winning journalist, author and academic // @PeterGreste

Rawan Arraf, Executive Director of the Australian Centre for International Justice // @rawanarraf

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the Voice Referendum, new Australia Institute research shows that almost nine in ten (87%) Australians want Parliament to pass truth in political advertising laws before the next federal election.

This was recorded on Tuesday 17th October 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Director, the Australia Institute // @Browne90

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Australians are still unsure what the referendum on is even about. What would a Voice to Parliament look like, and how would it help Indigenous people? To help make it more clear, the Australia Institute?s own Kate McBride recently sat down with Pat Anderson AO, Alyawarre woman and architect of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

This was recorded on Friday 8th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Pat Anderson AO, Alyawarre woman and architect of the Uluru Statement from the Heart

Kate McBride, Parlimentary Liason, the Australia Institute // @Kate_McBride_1

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Senate Inquiry into the management and assurance of integrity by consulting services continues, Labor senator Deb O'Neill and Greens senator Barbara Pocock have been applying the pressure to consulting firms in the hotseat.

This was recorded on Wednesday 4th October 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C

Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability // @Browne90

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australia-America economic relationship is one of the world?s most consequential, worth over $2 trillion, yet few understand its depth and scale.

This was recorded on Thursday 3rd August 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Joey Herlihy, Research Intern, International & Security Affairs program, the Australia Institute 

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Northern Hemisphere experiences extreme heatwaves and Australia prepares for a ?horror summer?, and the new RBA Governor Michelle Bullock warns climate change poses a ?particularly acute? challenge for the Australia economy, listen back to the launch of the 2023 Climate of the Nation Report at Politics in the Pub.

This was recorded on Wednesday 13th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Liz Morison, Researcher, Climate & Energy program, the Australia Institute // @morison_liz

Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI

Jenny Dowell OAM , former Mayor of Lismore City Council // @JennyRDowell

Dr Graeme Palmer, Lismore Small Business Owner

Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Digital Content Producer, the Australia Institute 

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As many Australians are facing rising cost-of-living, which is being made worse by climate change, fossil fuel companies are making record profits. So how can our Government make them pay the bill?

This was recorded on Tuesday 12th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Liz Morison, Researcher, Climate & Energy program, the Australia Institute // @morison_liz

Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Digital Content Producer, the Australia Institute 

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new deal to save the Murray-Darling basin has been brokered by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, following another mass fish kill, and a survey finding not a single adult Murray Cod in the Lower Darling-Bakka.

This was recorded on Tuesday 5th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Kate McBride, Researcher and Parliamentary Liason Officer, the Australia Institute // @Kate_McBride_1

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labor Government has been campaigning for Australia to host COP31, the UN climate conference, in partnership with a Pacific Island nation. But Pacific Islanders have several concerns, mainly due to Australia's track record with new fossil fuels, and lacklustre climate policy.

This was recorded on Wednesday 30th August 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Polly Hemming, Director, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While you might not think native duck hunting is a big issue in Australia, it actually has extensive detrimental effects on our ecosystems. And it isn't even that popular among Australians. 

This was recorded on Tuesday 6th June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C

Liz Morison, Researcher, the Australia Institute // @morison_liz

Noah Schultz-Byard, Director, the Australia Institute South Australia // @noah_sbyard

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lifecycle emissions resulting from Tamboran Resources? proposed Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) processing and export facility in the Northern Territory would be equivalent to 12 coal-fired power stations every year when operating at full capacity. Not exactly on the transition to net-zero...

This was recorded on Wednesday 16th August 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Polly Hemming, Director, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Amendment (Using New Technologies to Fight Climate Change) Bill currently before Parliament sounds promising. But as it turns out, the name of the bill is hiding a lot of ugly truths. 

This was recorded on Thursday 11th August 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Restoring trust and integrity in Australia?s democracy was a key issue in 2022 federal election. In March, independent MP Dr Sophie Scamps introduced a new bill designed to end the ?jobs for mates? culture in federal politics. The bill seeks to legislate a transparent and independent process for major government public appointments, setting a gold standard for appointments.

This was recorded on Wednesday 17th May 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Dr Sophie Scamps, Member for Mackellar // @SophieScamps

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his new essay ?The Great Stock ?n? Coal Swindle? for The Monthly, Nick Feik takes a deep dive into Australia?s carbon offsets industry and its links to fossil fuel expansion.

This was recorded on Wednesday 8th March 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Nick Feik, Writer, journalist and editor, former editor of The Monthly // @NickFeik

Polly Hemming, Director of the Climate & Energy program, The Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Maugean Skate, nicknamed the 'Tasmanian Tiger of the Sea,' is on the brink of extinction, with salmon farming in the region threatening its natural habitat. So will Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek be able to fulfill her promise of no new extinct species by 2030, or will the Skate become another relic of the past?

This was recorded on Tuesday 4th July 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Eloise Carr, Director, the Australia Institute Tasmania // @GeneveraE

Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Digital Content Producer, the Australia Institute

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Given the existential threat that rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather events pose to their communities, Pacific Island nations have been some of the most vocal advocates for climate action and, more specifically, an end to fossil fuel production.

Australia has an imperative to take action on the threat fossil fuel expansion poses and to commit adequate climate funding to address underlying vulnerabilities of Pacific Island nations and strengthen the resilience and security of the region as a whole.

This was recorded on Friday 1st June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Hon. Seve Paeniu, Tuvalu Minister of Finance and Economic Development // @SPaeniu

Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology and Geo-hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Risk-management // @RRegenvanu

Polly Hemming, Climate & Energy program Director, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sitting parliamentarians rarely lose elections. While incumbents have a publicly funded head-start, challengers rely on donations to fund their election campaigns, which is why political donation reform needs to ensure everyone should be able to afford a ticket to run in an election.

This was recorded on Friday 23rd June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Program, the Australia Institute // @Browne90

Elizabeth Morison, Researcher, the Australia Institute // @morison_liz

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Government has proposed that Australia host the 2026 UN Climate Conference, in ?partnership? with Pacific nations. But can Australia be considered a credible host for a COP31 while it continues to subsidise and approve fossil fuel expansion?

This was recorded on Wednesday 14th June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Polly Hemming, Climate & Energy program Director, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iceland?s outstanding levels of gender equality have been achieved through policies such as extensive paid parental leave, including an emphasis on fathers using paid parental leave.

This emphasis on paternity leave is one important reason that Iceland is frequently ranked as the leader among all the Nordic nations ? and thus the world leader ? in terms of gender equality.

Join us to explore the lessons Australia can learn from Iceland to improve gender equality.

This is one of a five-part special series of Follow the Money presented by the Nordic Talks series, presented by the Nordic Policy Centre at the Australia Institute, with support from The Nordics, a project under The Nordic Council of Ministers.

#NordicTalks #auspol

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Dr Marian Baird, Professor of Gender and Employment Relations, University of Sydney Business School

Ásdís Arnalds, Director of the Social Science Research Institute at the University of Iceland

Emeritus Professor Andrew Scott, Convenor at The Australia Institute?s Nordic Policy Centre // @ascottnlights

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has all the ingredients for a green industrial revolution; abundant rare minerals, plentiful wind and sun, manufacturing capabilities, while Sweden is a global leader in green industry practices and production.

But how can First Nations communities participate in the clean energy transition?

This talk will unpack how Sweden and Australia can better balance the competing interests between the ?green gold rush? and the interests of First Nations communities.

This is one of a five-part special series of Follow the Money presented by the Nordic Talks series, presented by the Nordic Policy Centre at the Australia Institute, with support from The Nordics, a project under The Nordic Council of Ministers.

#NordicTalks #auspol

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Jenny Wik Karlsson, CEO & Senior legal adviser at Sámiid Riikasearvi (National Association of Sámi in Sweden) 

Chris Croker, Managing Director, Impact Investment Partners and First Nations Clean Energy Network Steering Group

Rod Campbell, research director at the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

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In Denmark, the bicycle has been recognised as a fast, efficient, and sustainable mode of transportation for decades, and the key to more liveable cities and happy, healthy people ? supported by a network of safe cycling infrastructure and a positive cycle culture as part of healthy urban design which also means fewer food deserts.

In this discussion, we will explore how Australia could move closer to Danish cycle culture and healthier design of cities, to not only improve the health of the planet, but the people on it.

This is one of a five-part special series of Follow the Money presented by the Nordic Talks series, presented by the Nordic Policy Centre at the Australia Institute, with support from The Nordics, a project under The Nordic Council of Ministers.

#NordicTalks #auspol

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Marianne Weinreich, Market Manager, Ramboll Smart Mobility; Chair, Cycling Embassy of Denmark // @mobimaw

Dr Sandro Demaio, Chief Executive Officer, VicHealth // @SandroDemaio

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norway is number one the World Press Freedom Index, while Australia dropped 14 places in 2022 due in part to its highly concentrated media landscape.

This webinar, the second of our special Nordic Talks webinar series, will explore how Norway?s targeted ?press support? subsidies could help Australia to achieve greater diversity in its highly concentrated media landscape and improve its protections for public interest journalism. And what can Norway learn from Australia?s world-leading News Media Bargaining Code about regulating Big Tech platforms such as Google and Facebook?

This is one of a five-part special series of Follow the Money presented by the Nordic Talks series, presented by the Nordic Policy Centre at the Australia Institute, with support from The Nordics, a project under The Nordic Council of Ministers.

#NordicTalks #auspol

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Professor Eli Skogerbø, Co-director of POLKOM ? Center for the Study of Political Communication

Dr Maria Rae, Senior Lecturer in Politics and Policy, Deakin University// @MariaRae17

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than a decade after the Gonski review into Australia?s school funding aimed to reduce the impact of social disadvantage on educational outcomes, educational outcomes for Australian schoolchildren are getting worse. The success of Finnish educational outcomes shows that equity drives excellence for all students.

This is one of a five-part special series of Follow the Money presented by the Nordic Talks series, presented by the Nordic Policy Centre at the Australia Institute, with support from The Nordics, a project under The Nordic Council of Ministers.

#NordicTalks #auspol

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Pasi Sahlberg, Professor of Education, Southern Cross University // @pasi_sahlberg

Correna Haythorpe, Federal President, Australian Education Union // @CHaythorpeAEU

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Voice to Parliament Handbook by Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo and acclaimed journalist Kerry O?Brien is a clear, concise and simple guide for the millions of Australians who have expressed support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, but who want to better understand what a Voice to Parliament actually means.

This was recorded on Monday 5th June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Thomas Mayo, Author and National Indigenous Officer of the MUA // @thomasmayo23

Kerry O'Brien, Journalist and author // @KerryOBrien

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians have been experiencing a dramatic rise in the cost of living thanks to inflation. While the business sector was quick to blame wages for rising inflation, the Australia Institute and the Center for Future Work took a look at the data, and it told a very different story.

This was recorded on Monday 5th June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Narendra Modi's recent visit, to the cancelled Quad summit meeting, to new developments in the AUKUS nuclear submarine agreement, it's been a busy few weeks in international relations news for Australia. 

This was recorded on Wednesday 25th May 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Allan Behm, Director, International & Security Affairs Program, the Australia Institute // @Mirandaprorsus

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian government spends a billion dollars or more each year on consulting firms to complete necessary work, often involving confidential information. But a recent scandal at PricewaterhouseCooper has racked the consulting industry, undermining public trust in the system.

This was recorded on Tuesday 16th May 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Program, the Australia Institute // @Browne90

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Albanese Government has handed down its 2023-24 Federal Budget, and it contains positive measures like a 15% pay rise for aged care workers, the minimal increases to welfare, and deferral of any change to the Stage 3 tax cuts, confirm that change is going to be incremental and slow.

This was recorded on Wednesday 10th May 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI

Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff

Eliza Littleton, Senior Economist, Centre for Future Work, the Australia Institute // @ElizaLittleton

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite fossil fuel usage contributing to the destruction of our climate, the Australian government still hands out billions every year in fossil fuel subsidies. But where is the money going, and how much is being spent exactly?

This was recorded on Tuesday 2nd May 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia?s housing crisis is only getting worse, and our social housing shortfall has ballooned to 500,000 and rent is skyrocketing. So how did we get here, and what can be done?

This episode is a live recording from the Australia Institute's Politics in the Pub series. 

This was recorded on Wednesday 19th April 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guests:

Greg Jericho, Policy Director, Centre for Future Work, the Australia Institute // @GrogsGamut

Maiy Azize, spokesperson for Everybody?s Home, Deputy Director of Anglicare Australia, Fellow at the Australian Basic Income Lab // @MaiyAzize

Joel Dignam, Executive Director of Better Renting // @JoelDignam

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PRRT, or Petroleum Resource Rent Tax, is a tax on profits of petroleum products, including crude oil and petroleum gas. But through accounting tricks and loopholes, gas corporations are avoiding paying their fair share of tax.

Research mentioned: https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/reforming-the-petroleum-resource-rent-tax/

This was recorded on Monday 19th April 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No, it's not just inflation. Since the GFC, there has been a radical reversal in who benefits from economic growth. Back in the 1950s, the bottom 90% of income earners enjoyed around 90% of the benefits of the economic growth, but not anymore. So what has happened?

This was recorded on Tuesday 11th April 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent by-election in Aston was historic, with Labor candidate Mary Doyle claiming victory. But what can we learn from these results? Political analyst Kos Samaras joins the podcast to explain.

This was recorded on Tuesday 4th March 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Kos Samaras, Political Analyst, Director at RedBridge Group Australia // @KosSamaras

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, Greens leader Adam Bandt announced that a deal had been reached with the government to pass Safeguard Mechanism with some key amendments.

Richard Denniss is just back from Parliament House to help explain the deal and what it means for Australia?s emissions.

This was recorded on Monday 27th March 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, just released a report with a a very clear message; there is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all. One of the key messages in the report is that new fossil fuel projects are incompatible with a net zero target, a message which lies in stark contrast with the Labor government?s Safeguard Mechanism bill which is currently before Parliament.

This was recorded on Tuesday 21st March 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Polly Hemming, Climate & Energy Program Director, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Government's recent announcement that the AUKUS deal will cost an eye-watering $368 billion sent the media into a spin, with former PM Paul Keating calling it 'the worst deal in all history." The deal to acquire nuclear submarines from the United States has been a bumpy process, to say the least. But what will we actually get out of the deal, and  will it be worth it?

This was recorded on Wednesday 15th March 2023 and things may have changed since recording.

The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute

Guest:

Allan Behm, International & Security Affairs Director, the Australia Institute // @Mirandaprorsus

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

Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey

Edited by: Emily Perkins

Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.