The Joe Walker Podcast

Greg Kaplan, an esteemed economist and chairman of e61, joins Michael Brennan, CEO of e61 and former chair of Australia’s Productivity Commission, to discuss Australia's productivity stagnation. They delve into productivity challenges within the construction sector and critique GDP as a welfare measure. The duo emphasizes the need for reform in sectors like healthcare and education to fuel innovation. They also explore the gaps in productivity across industries, the significance of economic reforms during the '80s and '90s, and the future implications of embracing AI in Australia.

Francis Fukuyama, a renowned Stanford political scientist and author of "The End of History and the Last Man," shares his insights on the intersection of biotechnology and artificial intelligence. He discusses the potential for genetic engineering to redefine human nature and its effects on liberal democracy. The conversation delves into transhumanism and the evolving notion of natural rights, contrasting cultural attitudes towards technology in the East and West. Fukuyama also examines China's challenge to democratic ideals and the complexities of bureaucracy in governance.

Laura Deming, a visionary technologist and venture capitalist, is on a mission to revolutionize longevity. She discusses the philosophical implications of personal identity in the context of anti-aging and cryopreservation. Deming explores what a ‘humane transhumanism’ could look like and highlights the power of scientific awe in sparking innovation. Insights into mentorship in science showcase its impact on aspiring researchers. Lastly, she dives deep into the potential of reversible cryopreservation as a groundbreaking solution for aging and terminal illnesses.

Join Sam Roggevin, an expert in international security, Richard Holden, an economics professor, and Peter Chulip, a chief economist, as they dive into Australian policy insights. They tackle the surprising connection between gender pay discrimination and educational declines, explore how Australia's governance outperforms the U.S., and discuss the implications of immigration on aging populations and housing challenges. Their lively discussion is packed with anecdotes and cultural insights that will keep you engaged!

This episode is the seventh instalment of my Australian policy series, recorded live in Sydney on April 29, 2025.  I speak with Ken Henry—former Treasury Secretary and chair of the landmark Henry Tax Review—about why Australia hasn’t achieved major economic reform since the GST, and what must change to restart it.  We discuss how AGI could reshape the public service, intergenerational unfairness in the tax system, the collapse in business investment, how to build a new Australian city, and the roots of Australia's long-standing policy complacency. Video available here: Transcript available here:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging discussion, Sam Roggeveen, Director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, dives deep into the U.S.-China power dynamics and why America may avoid direct conflict with China. He argues for strengthening Australia’s alliance with Indonesia as a strategic priority. The conversation touches on the implications of Australia considering nuclear capabilities and the challenges of adapting military strategies against China's rising influence. Roggeveen also presents his unique 'echidna strategy' for a cost-effective defense approach.

In this discussion, Peter Tulip, Chief Economist at the Centre for Independent Studies and a former researcher at both the Reserve Bank of Australia and the US Federal Reserve, tackles the Australian housing crisis head-on. He sheds light on the complexities of NIMBY sentiments and the restrictions imposed by heritage laws. Tulip argues for a cultural shift necessary to balance housing supply with demand and critiques zoning regulations that hinder development. He proposes innovative ideas, including 'street votes,' to facilitate community engagement in housing negotiations.

Australia stands alone among English-speaking democracies with its compulsory, preferential voting system. But why? This episode is the fourth instalment of my Australian policy series. It was recorded in Melbourne on March 6, 2025. I speak with Judith Brett—Emeritus Professor of Politics at La Trobe University and author of the canonical history of Australia's electoral system, From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage—about how Australia became an electoral trailblazer. We trace the accidental adoption of near-universal manhood suffrage in the 1850s, the political calculations that led to compulsory voting and preferential voting, and why bureaucratic efficiency is so deeply woven into our electoral culture. Along the way, we explore how Benthamite thinking and low taxation in the colonial era combined to create a voting system that is unique among English-speaking democracies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Holden, a UNSW economics professor, and Steven Hamilton, an assistant professor at GWU, delve into Australia’s impressive state capacity. They discuss the effective economic interventions during COVID-19, examining the successes and failures of vaccine procurement. The conversation shifts to the complexities of federalism and housing challenges, as well as the need for reforms in unemployment insurance. Holden and Hamilton also highlight the role of local governance in crisis response, advocating for improved strategies to enhance public trust and accountability.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Leigh, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Competition and former economics professor, tackles pressing issues surrounding economic inequality. He delves into Australia’s egalitarian roots, tracing cultural influences from the 1800s to present disparities. The conversation touches on how societal norms affect innovation, the impact of automation on jobs, and the complexities of proposing a universal basic income. Leigh emphasizes the need for policy reforms to foster equity, community trust, and educational improvements to bridge gaps in society.