This episode is about the reform of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Janaline and William discuss the politics of environmental law reform and the key reforms that are needed to stop the biodiversity crisis while also making processes easier for business.

Here's the transcript.

Feel free to leave a comment, particularly if you have your own "Why can't they just..." question.

Feel free also to rate and review us, as it helps people to find us.

Music:"Insurrection"

Written by Pierre Chrétien

Performed by the Souljazz Orchestra

Courtesy of Do Right Music Inc.

This epsiode Janaline and Will delve into Australia's superannuation tax changes. They explore the media's coverage of the issue and Treasurer Jim Chalmers' new productivity roundtable. Janaline and Will discuss how to make the taxation system more fair and equitable, using different forms of taxes and transfers.

Here's the transcript.

If you like the episode or would like us to discuss a question you have about this or previous epsiodes, feel free to send us an email at: [email protected]. Of course we would love it if your question started with: why can't they just?

Please also feel free to rate and review us, as it does help people find us.

Music:"Insurrection"

Written by Pierre Chrétien

Performed by the Souljazz Orchestra

Courtesy of Do Right Music Inc.

This episode comes in the wake of the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites. Janaline and William discuss the lameness of Australia's response to the conflict and the important role of international law in times of crisis.

Here's the transcript.

Feel free to leave a comment, particularly if you have your own "Why can't they just..." question.

Feel free also to rate and review it - it helps people find the podcast.

Music:"Insurrection"

Written by Pierre Chrétien

Performed by the Souljazz Orchestra

Courtesy of Do Right Music Inc.

Episode 2 explores the difference between climate slogans and climate policy in the context of the decision by the federal environment minister to extend the life of a large gas project. The episode looks at what impact stopping new fossil fuel projects in Australia would have on global emissions and what meaningful contribution Australia can make to international climate action.

Here's the transcript: https://whycanttheyjust.github.io/transcripts/episode2climate.html

If you have any thoughts/ suggestions email us at: [email protected]

Intro Music:"Insurrection"

Written by Pierre Chrétien

Performed by the Souljazz Orchestra

Courtesy of Do Right Music Inc.

Why Can't They Just...? is a podcast about policy, politics and getting stuff done. It looks at the difference between a policy and a slogan and examines how things are often harder than they look.

This episode takes a look at the 2025 Australian federal election, what Labor's thumping victory means for democracy, the difference between opposition and alternative government, and what actually happened to the Greens.

Janaline Oh is a former Australian diplomat. William Sinclair is a university student. Both are members of the Australian Labor Party and the Labor Environment Action Network.

Feel free to send us an email at [email protected]