The Economy, Stupid

Miranda Stewart, Director of Tax Law at the University of Melbourne, and Ben Phillips, Principal Research Fellow at the ANU, dissect the complexities of Australia’s tax system. They delve into tax fairness, highlighting generational inequalities in superannuation and the burden on younger workers. The duo discusses the intricate relationship between tax reforms and economic growth, and tackle the challenges tied to Australia’s franking credit system and GST. Their insights spark ideas for a more equitable and efficient tax landscape.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers thinks Ezra Klein's book, Abundance, is a ripper. Building things directly and sweeping away red tape could soon be part of a productivity measure. An investment arm of the United Arab Emirates wants to buy Australia's Santos. Should the Treasurer impose conditions on approving Australia's biggest-ever resource takeover? Plus, a 'GST Guarantee' for the West. What’s wrong with doling out the revenue from Australia's resources on the basis of need? Guests:Matt McKenzie - Resources writer for the West Australian Megan Flamer - Senior Industry Fellow at RMIT Univesrity 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.

From Hawke’s 1983 economic summit to Rudd’s 2020 vision, big gatherings have sometimes sparked big reforms. Now Anthony Albanese wants to try again - this time to tackle Australia’s stagnating productivity. Within months, the Australian government will have to present the United Nations climate convention with an updated target for 2035. How are we doing with the target we’ve got? Guests:Michael Janda - ABC News Business EditorBen Potter - Contributing Editor at The EnergyGet 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.

This week we heard GDP growth has dropped, yet we’ve just given ourselves a pay rise.  Does it really matter if the economy isn’t growing as much as we would like and is GDP the best measure anyway? What will this mean for inflation? This week we give the economy a health check and look at what this all means for the future of jobs. 

This week, the chair of the Australian Energy Regulator, Claire Savage, advised us to “shop around” for a better deal as energy prices are set to rise by almost ten per cent, in some places. But how easy is it to shop around? And what happens when supplies don’t make it an even playing field for consumers?  

The Reserve Bank has cut interest rates. Inflation is under control, unemployment is low, and the forecasts say ‘steady as she goes.’ What do we do when everything works out the way we’ve planned? Guests:Myriam Robin - Senior Writer for the Australian Financial ReviewTom Crowley - ABC federal political reporter and previously an economist with the federal treasuryGet 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.

Welcome to the world of monopsony - where sellers, not buyers, get the raw deal.So, how does this impact me as a consumer?Then, the link between productivity and a pay increase. Guests:Emilia Terzon - ABC national business reporterMatthew McKenzie - Energy and economics reporter with the West Australian 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.

With a strong second-term mandate, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has a rare chance to drive real change. From tax to housing to climate policy, the moment is ripe for long-term reform that could shape Australia’s future for decades. But where to begin? Plus, listener Alex challenges the narrative around government debt and household budgets. Guests:Aruna Sathanapally - Chief executive, and economic prosperity director, of the Grattan InstituteMichael Janda - ABC News Business EditorGet 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.Listen to the full interview with Ken Henry on the Joseph Walker podcast: https://josephnoelwalker.com/ken-henry-aus-policy-series/  

Australia’s inflation rate is now firmly in the RBA’s target band, but groceries, rent, and daily essentials still feel painfully expensive. Why is there a disconnect between the data and what we think is our lived reality? The Opposition leader, Peter Dutton, says he wants to cut Australia’s permanent migration program. Is such a cut possible? And could it stem the total net overseas migration?And, costings. We spend $9 million a year on the Parliamentary Budget Office. Shouldn't we get its insights before we vote? Guests:Megan Flamer - Innovation specialist with Monash Business School Brendan Coates - Housing and Economic Security Program director at the Grattan InstituteGet 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. 

It's more than job losses. It's dreams deferred and careers that never get off the ground. Why do the scars last a lifetime?Then, why does the Justice Department want to break up Google? Plus, penalty rates are under the spotlight again, but do they really cost the economy jobs? Guests:Dan Ziffer - ABC national business reporter Rachel Clayton - Business reporterGet 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.