The Australian government has decided it is not responsible for providing access to affordable housing. Despite playing a pivotal role in the provision of public education and healthcare, government builds only a fraction of Australia’s housing stock. In a market dominated by private developers, house prices have seen staggering increases.

Everybody’s Home is a campaign to fix the Australian housing crisis. Sam speaks to national spokesperson, Maiy Azize, about how to effect political change, and why the government needs to return to the tried-and-tested policy of building more social and affordable housing.

We rely on it every day, but we rarely stop to consider, “What is money?”

There’s an important difference between a $50 banknote, and the numbers you see in your bank account. The availability of cash and digital money, and the infrastructure that supports them fundamentally shape our monetary system.

Much like a transport system, the monetary system is vital to the operation of a modern nation. But who is designing it? And what do we need a monetary system to provide?

Sam and Brett discuss the origin of money, monetary systems, and Brett’s 2023 book, “Cloudmoney”.

Have you ever met a politician under the age of 30?

When Jordan Lane was elected as the NSW State Member for Ryde, he was one of just two parliamentarians in that age bracket.

Young people around the world are facing unique challenges, yet they are under-represented in our parliaments.

Jordan joins Sam to discuss young Aussies losing faith in politics and why he’s optimistic about the potential for positive change.

Economic policy has transformed Australia in the past forty years.

If you’re reading about the Australian economy, it’s only a matter of time before you come across the term, “neoliberalism”. Over the past four decades, this brand of economic thought has had a massive impact on the shape of economies around the world.

Professor John Quiggin unpacks the rise of neoliberalism in Australia, the distinguishing characteristics of this ideology, and how events like the Global Financial Crisis undermined the credibility of key neoliberal theories.

John’s 2024 book, After Neoliberalism, can be found here.

What does it mean for a nation to build its identity around owning a house? And what happens when that goal is systematically placed out of reach?

The great Australian dream of home ownership is now unattainable for a growing proportion of ordinary Aussies. According to some voices in the debate, government red-tape and planning regulation are a core part of the problem.

Sam speaks with the urban designer and city strategist behind Substack publication, The Emergent City, to discover that the problem is far more complex.

Sam and Rowan dive into the fascinating world of MMT as they step through the interview with Professor Bill Mitchell from the University of Newcastle.

They’re not economists, but they did help Kevin Rudd fix the GFC by accepting a free laptop in high school.

Listen to the original interview on MMT here:

We’ve been told that the federal budget is like a household budget. But what if that’s not true? What would economic policy look like if there were no financial constraints on government spending?

Modern Monetary Theory offers a transformative lens through which to view the economy. Contrary to the claims of critics, MMT identifies very clear limits on government spending – they’re just not the limits politicians, commentators, and mainstream economists are talking about.

Professor Bill Mitchell joins Sam to discuss common misconceptions of MMT, the disconnect between economists and the general public, and how the government can responsibly combat inflation while ensuring that everyone has guaranteed access to a job.

Sam and Rowan are back to discuss the interview with Senior Economist, Matt Grudnoff, wrapping their heads around competitive markets and Australia’s inequitable tax system.

They’re not economists, but they are bravely fighting back against the Australian grocery duopoly by occasionally shopping at Aldi.

Find the original interview on inequality here.

Australia has been called, “the lucky country”, but it’s clear that some people are more lucky than others.

Where does inequality come from? Is it possible, or even desirable to eliminate inequality? Why does the Australian tax system reward asset speculation and penalise Aussies for working hard to earn a wage?

Sam is joined by Senior Economist from The Australia Institute, Matt Grudnoff, to discuss how excessive corporate profits, stagnant wages, and an illogical tax system are undermining Australia’s ability to build a better future as the land of the fair go.

They examine the ways that inequality limits economic growth, and explore what it looks like to be part of the push for positive change.

Sam is joined by writer and comedian, Rowan Thambar, to discuss the interview with Dr Cameron Murray and unpick lingering questions about the Australian housing crisis.

They’re not economists, but at least one of them has shared a mushroom risotto with Ross Gittins.