Follow The Money
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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"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.
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<..."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.
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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.
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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...
Minority report with George Megalogenis | Summer Book Club
Australia’s status quo political culture is under pressure – so what does this mean for the upcoming federal election?
On this Summer Book Club episode of Follow the Money, journalist and author George Megalogenis joins Alice Grundy to discuss the rise of independents and minor parties, Australia’s changing political landscape, and his latest Quarterly Essay, ‘Minority Report: The new shape of Australian politics’.
This discussion was recorded on Friday 6 December 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
To join our free Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinars live, register via our website.
Order...
Fixing Australia's housing crisis with Alan Kohler
Houses should be a place to live, not a ladder to wealth.
On this episode of Follow the Money, acclaimed financial journalist Alan Kohler joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the policies that created Australia’s housing crisis and what governments can do to fix it.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 10 December 2024 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: Alan Kohler, author and journalist // @AlanKohler
Hos...
What's the point of Australia?
Amy Remeikis joins us to reflect on Anthony Albanese’s turbulent year as Prime Minister and preview the federal election campaign.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute Chief Political Analyst Amy Remeikis joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the slings and arrows of the political year, why Australia doesn’t use its power on the international stage, and how next year’s federal election campaign is shaping up.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 3 December 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better...
The major party stitch-up with Helen Haines
Independent MP Helen Haines joins us to talk about how a deal between the Government and the Opposition could swing Australia’s electoral laws in their favour.
On this episode of Follow the Money, the Hon Helen Haines MP, Independent Member for Indi, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the Government’s Electoral Reform Bill, its potential impact on new and independent candidates, and the future of Australian democracy.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 26 November 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Sign the Australia Institute petition, calling on the Government to establish a pa...
The uninsurables: how climate change is pricing people out of home insurance
More frequent and severe disasters are sending insurance costs through the roof, creating a north-south divide in Australia.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Walkley Award-winning journalist Stephen Long joins Alice Grundy to discuss climate change, skyrocketing premiums and serious impact they’re having on inequality.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 13 November 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Pre-order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Edi...
Hitting our limits: the climate and COP29
The United Nations climate change negotiations are skirting around the critical issue of phasing out fossil fuels and are in desperate need of reform, says Sandrine Dixson-Declève.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-President of the Club of Rome, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss phasing out fossil fuels, the false narratives being peddled about the green transition, and why addressing inequality is fundamental to tackling the climate crisis.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 24 October 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Pre-order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Id...
The AUKward truth about the US relationship
With its democracy under assault, America needs a friend, not a flunkey.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute International & Security Affairs Advisor Allan Behm joins us to discuss the “unachievable” AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, Australia’s ‘fear of abandonment’, and how the outcome of the presidential election might change US foreign policy.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 5 November 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Allan Behm, International & Security Affairs Advisor, the Australia Institute // @Mirandaprorsus
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Austral...
We can, in fact, have nice things
He lost the Queensland election, but former Premier Steven Miles may have saved the furniture by putting forward popular, progressive policies that voters responded to.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the fake fight between the new Queensland Premier and Peter Dutton over nuclear power and the fallout from the state election.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 29 October 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_T...
Secrecy is not security
Excessive secrecy in government decision-making makes Australia less safe, not more.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Bill Browne, Democracy & Accountability Director at the Australia Institute, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss whistleblower protections, improving the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and why Australia may be the world’s most secretive democracy.
This discussion was recorded live on Tuesday 22 October 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Find all the content from the Australia Institute’s Transparency Summit 2024 on our website or via the Australia Institute on YouTube.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Gue...
The way we disagree
Press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno joins us to discuss how conflict in the Middle East is reverberating through Australia, and reconciliation one year after the Voice referendum.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Paul Bongiorno, columnist for The Saturday Paper and The New Daily, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss culture wars in Australia, two upcoming elections, and the reaction to Anthony Albanese’s new beachside retreat.
This discussion was recorded live on Tuesday 15 October 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Paul Bongiorno, columnist, The Sat...
Super-powered nukes: Aussie funds and weapons of mass destruction
Australian superannuation funds have been investing in nuclear weapons, according to new research.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Margaret Beavis, Co-Director of Quit Nukes, and Adam Gottschalk, Anne Kantor Research Fellow at the Australia Institute, join us to discuss how some superannuation funds invest Australians’ retirement savings nuclear weapons.
This discussion was recorded live on Friday 4 October 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Margaret Beavis, Co-Director, Quit Nukes // @margaretbeavis
Guest: Adam Gottschalk, Anne Kantor Research Fellow, the Australia Institute // @adamchalksitup
H...
Are the Big Two too big? Reining in the supermarket giants
Senator Nick McKim joins us to discuss the ACCC legal action against Coles and Woolworths and why the government should have the power to break up the Big Two.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Greens Senator Nick McKim, Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Grocery Prices, joins us to discuss regulating the major supermarkets and his famous grilling of the former Woolies CEO.
Join President José Ramos-Horta at 6pm AEDT, Tuesday 8 October for an evening of conversation at the Sydney Opera House, presented by the Australia Institute as part of its 30 Years o...
