The budget week that began with an unexpected tax cut has evolved into a debate about what we pay at the pump. What's better for you in the long run? 

Electricity makes up a smaller slice of household spending than beer or takeaway – yet power bills spark outrage like nothing else. With prices set to jump 30%, is the government trapped in an endless cycle of rebates? 

Plus, a restaurant collapse leaves workers unpaid, exposing a major flaw in Australia’s wage safety net. 

Meanwhile, cash is dying, and the Reserve Bank says it might not last another decade. Will you still be using it in 10 years? 

Emilia Terzon - ABC national business reporter 

James Eyres - Banking and payments writer, the Australian Financial Review, 

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We read all of your emails, and appreciate each one. Please keep them coming [email protected] or use the #PeterMartinEconomy on Instagram to get our attention. 

The US and Australian markets are in freefall, and now we face steep tariffs on steel and aluminium. That’s right, no special treatment for us down under!

Why destruction isn't counted against GDP, but the replacement is. 

Your super is funding U.S roads and data centres. Is it simply, too big for Australia? 

The RBA dropped interest rates this week - smart move? Or is the RBA kicking the financial can down the road? Plus, the South Australian government has forced the Whyalla Steelworks into administration. Then, the economic fallout of the family trust trial. 

Tariffs are on the rise — so what does this mean for ultra-cheap sites like Temu? Then, is Elon Musk behind the recent slump in electric car sales? Plus, the question of whether Australia has slain the inflation dragon remains on the table.

Trump's tariffs are here, but do those voting for them really understand how they work? Plus, the housing market is cooling down, but should we take it further and push prices down even more? And, we’re taxing tobacco heavily, but surprisingly, the tax revenue is dropping. Turns out, it’s not because people are quitting. Could we be facing a self-defeating tax?

Taj Pabari - social entrepreneur and author of Young, Dumb and Financially Independent: What school didn't teach you about money.

Emilia Terzon - ABC national business reporter.

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We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

With inflation down and right within the Reserve Bank's target band, is there any reason why we shouldn't now expect a cut in interest rates? Plus, a deep dive into DeepSeek, the Chinese AI firm that shook the US stock market this week; and the economics of the Australian Open - turns out there's more than a Grand Slam title at stake. 

Guests:

Myriam Robin - Senior writer with the Australian Financial Review.

Isaac Gross - former Reserve Bank economist, now lecturer in economics at Monash University.

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We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

With Donald Trump back in the White House, it's boom time for billionaires and tech bros. How much will these changes trickle down to Australia? Plus, you’ve probably noticed those fees racking up, every time you tap your debit card. A push is now on to ban them, but this might have some unexpected - and expensive - consequences. 

Guests:

Megan Flamer - Innovation and organisational development specialist with Monash Business School (and founder of Excited Adults)

Michael Janda - ABC News Business Editor.

Get in touch:

We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]