Follow The Money
AUKUS and Australian sovereignty with Doug Cameron
Former Senator Doug Cameron calls on the federal government to reject “warmongering” and abandon the AUKUS deal.
On this episode of Follow the Money, former Labor Senator for New South Wales Doug Cameron speaks about the Australia-US relationship, the “madness” of AUKUS, and how the federal government can prepare for peace – not war.
The 2025 Laurie Carmichael Lecture was delivered on Wednesday 10 September and presented by the Carmichael Centre at the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work.
You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
<...No right to know?
The government’s proposed changes to freedom of information laws represent a “serious attack” on Australia’s democracy, according to former Senator Rex Patrick.
On this episode of Follow the Money, transparency advocate Rex Patrick and Australia Institute Democracy & Accountability Director Bill Browne to discuss the failing freedom of information system and why the proposed changes could make government less transparent – not more.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Rex Patrick, former Senator for South Australia // @mrrexpatrick
Guest: Bill...
Will AI kill traditional media?
With large language models threatening to swamp Australia’s traditional media, a little bit of government funding could go a long way to protect public interest journalism.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Clive Marshall, former CEO of the Press Association (UK), and Emma Cowdroy, Acting CEO of Australian Associated Press, join Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss to discuss artificial intelligence and the news.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website.
Keep up with everything that’s happening at the...
Big Gas' greed is killing Australian manufacturers
The colossal price rises on the east coast, brought on by excessive gas exports, have been a disaster for Australian manufacturers and households.
On this episode of Follow the Money, manufacturing industry representative Geoff Crittenden and Australia Institute Principal Advisor Mark Ogge join Ebony Bennett to discuss how governments can ensure there’s more gas available for Australians.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Geoff Crittenden, Chief Executive Officer, WELD Australia
Guest: Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor, the Au...
Tax the wealthiest to make Australia more productive
The Prime Minister hosed down expectations ahead of the economic roundtable, but a serious reform package must include changes to tax policy.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Senior Economist Matt Grudnoff joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the Government’s economic roundtable, why taxing wealth more effectively would make Australians better off, and why removing as-yet-unnamed ‘red tape’ isn’t going to fix productivity.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website.
You can listen to Dollars & Sense each week on Apple Po...
How political pragmatism is killing us with Richard Denniss
The search for the “sensible centre” in Australia politics is pointless and flies in the face of evidence, says Richard Denniss.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Richard Denniss joins Ebony Bennett to discuss why the constant search for the centre ground doing Australians harm, why bipartisanship can actually be bad, and his new essay, Dead Centre.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the...
Australians march for Palestine as Trump shoots the messenger
From Gaza to AUKUS, pressure for change is building on Australian foreign policy.
On this special crossover episode of Follow the Money and After America, Dr Emma Shortis joins Glenn Connley to discuss the Australian protests calling for more action to protect Palestinians, the momentum against the troubled AUKUS submarine pact, and Trump’s decision to fire his chief of labour statistics after job growth slowed.
This discussion was recorded on Monday 4 August 2025.
You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
Dead Ce...
Australia's gun laws aren't as strong as you think
Nearly three decades after the Port Arthur massacre, there are more guns than ever before in Australia and there is still no national firearms register.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Alice Grundy and Skye Predavec join Ebony Bennett to discuss how the Howard Government’s brave reforms in the aftermath of the Port Arthur massacre are falling short of its aims – and what federal, state and territory governments can do to keep Australians safe.
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, chat online or video c...
Australians aren’t afraid of power-sharing parliaments
Tasmanians have returned another power-sharing parliament – it’s now up to the major parties to make it work.
Australians have elected power-sharing parliaments in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania – and a single party almost never has a majority in the federal Senate. On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Eloise Carr join Ebony Bennett to discuss why collaborative parliaments are popular and how our elected officials can make them work.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available for pre-order now via the Austra...
“Out of patience”: it’s time to fix the housing crisis
Amy Remeikis and Matt Grudnoff preview the first parliamentary sitting week.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Amy Remeikis and Matt Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett discuss the political relevance of the housing crisis, the storm-in-a-teacup over some Treasury subheadings, and #NotAllEconomists.
You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available for pre-order now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis
<...Their fair share: the tax debate we need to have
By limiting generous tax concessions for the wealthy and collecting revenue from Australia’s natural resources, the Government could fund health and education systems that work properly.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff joins Ebony Bennett discuss Government’s productivity agenda, why the GST is failing to do the job it was designed for, and how 91 millionaires managed to pay no tax.
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
The huge cost to stat...
A matter of preference
Labor won big and the Coalition got “smashed”, but the major parties have never been more reliant on preferences.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Bill Browne joins Ebony Bennett discuss the extraordinary scale of Labor’s victory in the May federal election, what the devastating result might mean for the Coalition, and why a large crossbench in federal parliament could be here to stay.
Guest: Bill Browne, Director of Democracy & Accountability, the Australia Institute // @browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Major partie...
All the way with the USA?
Despite demands from the hawks that the Australia Government fall in line with the United States over Iran, it’s not inevitable that Australia supports illegal American military intervention.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis and Allan Behm join Ebony Bennett to discuss the American bombing of Iran, the Albanese Government’s choice to back the Trump Administration’s decision, and why upholding and strengthening a rules-based global order is more than just “nostalgia”.
You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
Our...
Australia doesn't need AUKUS
By reviewing the deal, Trump has given the Australian Government an opportunity to get out of the disastrous AUKUS agreement.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Allan Behm joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the Trump administration’s decision to review the AUKUS submarine deal, why Australia doesn’t need American Virginia-class boats anyway, and why the Australian and American governments have shared interests but not shared values.
You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
Our independence is our strength – and only you can ma...
Now is the time for brave reform
A housing crisis, accelerating climate change and widening inequality all confront the re-elected Albanese Government, but the solutions exist (and often aren’t that complicated).
The government is confronting major challenges in its second term. But despite what we’re often told, there is no shortage of solutions – governments just need the courage to implement them. On this episode of Follow the Money, we hear from four leading policy thinkers – Richard Denniss, Maiy Azize, Polly Hemming and Thomas Mayo – about making big, bold ideas a reality.
Find the What’s the Big Idea? series via our website...
Profit vs priceless heritage: the fight to save Murujuga
The Murujuga site in north-western Australia is potentially the most important rock art site in the world, but it’s being destroyed by rampant industrial development.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Walkley Award-winning journalist Stephen Long and Elinor Johnston-Leek discuss the Federal Government’s decision to sign a provisional extension to Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project and the impact that will have on the irreplaceable Murujuga rock art.
Our independence is our strength – and only you can make that possible. By donating to the Australia Institute’s End of Financial Year appeal tod...
Super hysterical: the ludicrous beat-up over superannuation tax changes
Superannuation is meant to help all Australians have a comfortable retirement, not help the very wealthiest pay less tax.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Greg Jericho, Chief Economist at the Australia Institute, joins Glenn Connley to discuss the government’s modest proposal to change the superannuation tax concessions and the bizarre backlash to the policy.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 28 May 2025 and things may have changed.
Order After America: Australia and the new world order or become a foundation subscriber to our Vantage Point series and save 25% on the Australia In...
Failing the test: Australian universities in crisis
Great countries have great institutions, but Australian universities are a mess.
On this episode of Follow the Money, the Australia Institute’s Joshua Black and Jack Thrower join Glenn Connley to discuss the enormous cost of going to university, the absurdity of university vice-chancellors being paid more than the Treasurer, and why the practice of using international students as a political football must end.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 20 May 2025 and things may have changed.
Order ‘After America: Australia and the new world order’ or become a foundation subscriber to our Vantage Point...
"Don’t waste it": Labor’s historic policy opportunity
With the influence of the right-wing media waning, the Labor Government can use its massive majority to pursue big reforms.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Stephen Long, Walkley Award-winning journalist and Australia Institute Contributing Editor, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the Murdoch press bogeyman, supporting the public broadcasters and the prospects for major, progressive reforms in the second Albanese term.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 13 May 2025 and things may have changed.
Order ‘After America: Australia and the new world order’ or become a foundation subscriber to our Vantage Point series and...
A chance to be brave: understanding Australia's election result
With the influence of its historical opponents waning, is anything standing in the way of the Labor Government passing ambitious reforms?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Chief Political Analyst Amy Remeikis and Chief Economist Greg Jericho join Ebony Bennett to discuss the election result, the legislative priorities of the new parliament and the future of the conservative side of politics.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 6 May 2025 and things may have changed.
Pre-order ‘After America: Australia and the new world order’ or become a foundation subscriber to our Vantage Point series on t...
Could the polls be wrong?
The polls are pointing to a likely Labor victory on Saturday, but could Dutton’s suburban strategy still bear fruit?
As election day approaches, former Fairfax Chief Political Correspondent Professor Mark Kenny joins Glenn Connley to discuss the performances of Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton on the campaign trail, plus Australians’ response to Trump’s return, on this episode of Follow the Money.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 29 April 2025 and things may have changed.
Follow all the action from the federal election on our new politics live blog, Australia Institute Live with Amy Re...
Trump and the Australian election
The United States is disappearing down an authoritarian rabbit hole and Australian leaders are struggling to respond.
On this crossover episode of After America and Follow the Money, Ebony Bennett and Dr Emma Shortis discuss the US administration’s mass deportations, the scandals surrounding the Departments of Defense and State, and why Australian democratic institutions are worth defending.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 22 April 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order ‘After America: Australia and the new world order’ or become a foundation subscriber to Vantage Point at australiainstitute.org.au/store.
The cruel housing hoax
Amy Remeikis and Bill Browne discuss the federal election campaign so far, the performance of the media, and how preferential voting actually works.
On this episode of Follow the Money, the Australia Institute’s Amy Remeikis and Bill Browne join guest host Stephen Long to discuss housing policy, the Australian electoral system, and the need for truth in political advertising laws.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 15 April 2025 and things may have changed.
Follow all the action from the federal election on our new politics live blog, Australia Institute Live with Amy Remeikis.
...Big gas is taking the piss
Peter Dutton has it half right on gas. There is no supply shortage, but Australians need to be using less gas – not more.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Rod Campbell and Mark Ogge join Ebony Bennett to discuss the fixing Australia’s gas export problem, making gas companies pay their fair share in taxes and royalties, and why there is no need for new gas projects.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 8 April 2025 and things may have changed.
Follow all the action from the federal election on our new politics live blog...
Home economics: housing, living standards and the federal election
With housing affordability at an all-time low and the spectre of Trump looming large over our region, Australians’ standard of living will be at the heart of the debate from now until election day.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute economists Matt Grudnoff and Jack Thrower join Ebony Bennett to discuss the Australian economy and the federal election campaign.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 1 April 2025 and things may have changed.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Gu...
Don't gut our environment laws
The Government’s proposed environmental law changes are an attack on our democracy and could benefit destructive industries far beyond Tasmania’s coastal ecosystems.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Ebony Bennett discusses the Government’s efforts to weaken the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act with Australia Institute Executive Director Dr Richard Denniss and Strategy Director Leanne Minshull.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 25 March 2025 and things may have changed.
Sign our petition calling on the Government not to gut Australia’s environment laws.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32...
Fish out of water
Chunks of dead salmon have washed up on Tasmanian beaches and the Maugean skate is at risk of extinction, so why won’t governments to more to rein in the salmon industry in Tasmania?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Eloise Carr, Director of the Australia Institute Tasmania, the Federal Government’s dangerous proposal to get around Australia’s already inadequate environmental protections and why salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour needs to end.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 19 March 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Sign our petition to end salmon...
Enemies of the state
The public sector is under fire, but is it really as inefficient as DOGE and Dutton claim?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Fiona Macdonald, Acting Director at the Centre for Future Work, joins Glenn Connley to discuss Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, Peter Dutton’s plan to axe public service jobs, and why the private sector generally doesn’t deliver better public services.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 12 March 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, v...
The pros and cons of minority government with David Pocock and Tony Windsor
Polls point to a power-sharing government being the most likely outcome at the upcoming federal election, but how do they actually work?
Independent Senator David Pocock and Tony Windsor AM, former independent parliamentarian who held the balance of power during the Gillard minority government, join Amy Remeikis to discuss how they negotiate with the major parties, the growth of the independent and minor party vote, and why there’s so much fearmongering about minority governments in Australia.
This discussion was recorded live on Wednesday 26 February 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order Wh...
"A drowning memory": the Pacific Island communities fighting for their survival
For communities in Tuvalu and Kiribati, climate change isn’t an abstract threat – it’s having a real-time impact on their lives and culture.
On this bonus episode of Follow the Money, Walkley Award-winning journalist Stephen Long speaks to three young climate advocates about the impact of climate change in Tuvalu and Kiribati, their dismay at the continued expansion of fossil fuels by Australia and other developed nations, and how they are fighting for the future of their societies.
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DOGE days: Trump's war on the civil service
By laying off tens of thousands of federal employees, challenging the authority of judges and throwing erstwhile allies under the bus, the Trump administration is radically reshaping America and its role in the world.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis and Ebony Bennett discuss Trump’s efforts to “rinse” Ukraine for its resources, the administration’s moves to dismantle significant portions of the Federal Government, and how the Australian Government can use its significant bargaining power to push back against the American President.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 25 February 2025 and things m...
A soft landing? What the rate cut means for the Australian economy
The Reserve Bank has cut interest rates for the first time since November 2020 – so is the Australian economy out of the woods?
On this crossover episode of Follow the Money and Dollars & Sense, Greg Jericho and Ebony Bennett discuss what’s going on with inflation, the performance of the Reserve Bank and whether the Government deserves the credit for setting the economy on a better course.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 19 February 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the A...
Stop the steel
We discuss Trump’s new tariffs on steel and aluminium imports and what they’ll mean for Australia.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Senior Economist Matt Grudnoff joins Ebony Bennett to explain how tariffs work, Trump’s 25 per cent levy on steel and aluminium imports, and how big a deal this will be for Australia.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 11 February 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior E...
Hands off our elections
Australia needs an electoral system that’s genuinely fair, not a two-tiered system that favours the major parties.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Democracy & Accountability Director Bill Browne joins us to discuss the latest political donations data and why tens of thousands of Australians are concerned about the Government’s proposed electoral changes.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 4 February 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accoun...
Flooding the zone
President Donald Trump has been issuing Executive Orders and dominating the media cycle, trying to radically reshape America and the world in the process.
On this special crossover episode of After America and Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis and Ebony Bennett discuss the role of Elon Musk, Trump’s pause on all US foreign aid, his ability to ‘flood the zone’, and how this all affects Australia.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 28 January 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Get your tickets for the Australia Institute’s Climate Integrity Summit 2025 now.
<..."That's cooked": welcome to 2025
Richard Denniss joins the show to discuss Trump’s inauguration and the upcoming federal election.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss joins Ebony Bennett to examine the year ahead in federal politics and how the Trump presidency could impact Australia.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 21 January 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
australiainstitute.org.au // @australiainstitute
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Ins...
Killing for Country with David Marr | Summer Book Club
David Marr discusses the frontier wars and the shocking family discovery that led to his award-winning book, Killing for Country.
On this Summer Book Club episode of Follow the Money, renowned journalist and author David Marr joins Ebony Bennett to discuss Killing for Country, his award-winning account of politics and power in colonial Australia.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 24 January 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
To join our free Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinars live, register via our website.
Order the first book from our new imprint, What...
The work with Bri Lee | Summer Book Club
Bri Lee, one of Australia’s most exciting young writers, joins us to discuss her debut novel, The Work, and the politics of power and privilege.
On this Summer Book Club episode of Follow the Money, Bri Lee, the award-winning author of Eggshell Skull, Beauty and Who Gets to be Smart, joins us to discuss The Work, a stunning story of art, power, love and money.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 7 May 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support ser...
Bad cop with Lech Blaine | Summer Book Club
Award-winning writer Lech Blaine traces the making of Peter Dutton – from Queensland detective to leader of the Opposition.
On this Summer Book Club episode of Follow the Money, Lech Blaine joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the rise of Peter Dutton, the evolution of the Liberal Party, and his Quarterly Essay, ‘Bad Cop: Peter Dutton's Strongman Politics’.
This discussion was recorded on Friday 12 April 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
To join our free Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinars live, register via our website.
Order the first book from our new imprint...
Highway to hell with Joëlle Gergis | Summer Book Club
Do Australians truly grasp the impact of a warming planet and what it could mean for our sunburnt country?
On this Summer Book Club episode of Follow the Money, climate scientist and author Dr Joëlle Gergis joins The Australia Institute’s Polly Hemming to discuss Australia’s climate policy inertia and the impact of rising temperatures.
This discussion was recorded on Friday 28 June 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
To join our free Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinars live, register via our website.
Order the first book from our new im...
