The Economy, Stupid cover image

The Economy, Stupid

Australians spend more on beer than power – so why do electricity bills hurt more?

Mar 20, 2025
28:50

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, 

Get in touch:

We read all of your emails, and appreciate each one. Please keep them coming theeconomy.stupid@abc.net.au or use the #PeterMartinEconomy on Instagram to get our attention. 

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode