In this episode of Jobs and Growth, we sit down with Gideon Rozner. One of Australia’s most recognisable voices on public policy, freedom, and political debate. From his days leading the Melbourne University Liberal Club to appearing on Tucker Carlson Tonight, Gideon has spent years shaping conversations around small government, individual liberty and Australia’s political direction.We dive into everything: university politics, cancel culture, the state of free speech, and why Australia’s political class often gets it wrong. Gideon gives frank takes on Malcolm Turnbull, Tony Abbott, the rise of the teals, the housing crisis, migration, woke culture, and the future of the Liberal Party.With his trademark humour, candour and unfiltered analysis, Gideon helps unpack why voters are angry, what the right is getting wrong, and what it will take for Australia to rebuild prosperity, pride and common sense.

In this special MULC centenary-dinner episode of Jobs and Growth, we sit down with the Hon Robert Clark, one of the Melbourne University Liberal Club’s most distinguished alumni and a giant of Victorian public life. From joining MULC on day one of O-Week in 1975, to becoming club president, to serving more than three decades in Parliament, including as Victoria’s Attorney-General, Robert’s career has been defined by conviction, integrity, and a commitment to liberal values.

Robert reflects on student politics in the 70s, the fight for voluntary student unionism, taking the University of Melbourne to court, and the lessons learned on campus that shaped his parliamentary career. We explore his time in the Kennett and Baillieu governments, navigating the complexities of law reform, and his insights on today’s political landscape, including youth crime, government debt, party unity, and the future of liberalism in Victoria.

Recorded for the 100th anniversary of the Melbourne University Liberal Club.

This week on Jobs and Growth, we go deep on a wide spread of stories dominating headlines and arguments.

We kick things off with the P. Diddy and Erin Patterson verdicts, unpacking what they say about justice and celebrity trials. Then it's onto the RBA’s decision to hold the cash rate, Australia’s weakening dollar, and how Peter Costello’s legacy still shapes economic policy today.

From there, we turn to the U.S. debt crisis, Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” and why extending tax cuts might not be the fiscal disaster critics claim. We debate immigration, ICE, the rise of China, minimum wage policy, and the long shadow of the WTO.

We also reflect on the rise in antisemitic attacks in Melbourne, the erosion of social cohesion, and whether political leadership in Australia is up to the task.

Then, it all ends in a furious debate over who the greatest film director of all time is.

This week on Jobs and Growth, it’s just the two of us, no guests, no filters. We reflect on launching the podcast, our new camera setup, and why we’ve decided to start endorsing political candidates… including a reluctant but spirited case for New York Mayor Eric Adams.

From there, we dive into a wide-ranging discussion on the Israel–Iran conflict, America’s role in regime change, the ethics of nuclear deterrence, and the future of the Abraham Accords. We debate the merits of dividends versus reinvestment, unpack how big business is starting to resemble government, and share our frustration with Australia’s banking system.

Plus: a mini review of The Time Traveler’s Wife, WWII documentaries, About Time, and Top Gun.

In this episode of Jobs and Growth, we sit down with Kai Bowie, President of the Melbourne University Liberal Club during its centenary year, to talk about politics, student leadership, free speech on campus, and what it takes to keep classical liberalism alive in hostile territory.

Kai shares his journey from school captain to club president, his influences from Thatcher and Hayek, and what it's like navigating campus politics as an openly centre-right figure. We discuss the difference between MULC and the Young Liberals, the challenges of recruiting in unfriendly environments, and how to deal with extremism on both sides through open debate not censorship.

We also get into housing policy, planning reform, the suburban rail loop, and what it would take to actually fix supply. Plus, the future of the Liberal Party, defence spending, and why classical liberalism still matters.

In our very first episode, we lay the foundations for what Jobs and Growth is all about. We kick off with numerology, Steve Jobs and Pixar before being joined by Patrick Irwin, the president of the Victorian Young Liberals. We discuss his personal journey from student politics to President of the Melbourne University Liberal Club and now the President of the Victorian Young Liberals.

From there, the conversation covers the power of superannuation funds, whether Australia's tax system is due for a rethink, and weigh the benefits of excise over an income tax. We break down elements that went wrong for the Liberal Party in the 2025 federal election, what the political landscape looks like heading into the next election, and how the party might win young voters.

We also weigh in on Australia’s housing crisis, the banking industry, and discuss Labor’s HECS debt policies. We ask how much a dozen eggs costs, and debate speed limits, e-scooters, and public transport in Victoria.

The information presented in this podcast is general information only and does not constitute professional advice.

The intro of the Jobs and Growth podcast.

Jobs and Growth Intro