The Economy, Stupid

Explore how people plan to use extra money from Stage III tax cuts and the benefits of cutting tariffs on imports with guests Kristen Sobeck, Matthew Bowen, and Alex Robson. From tax bracket adjustments to savings and investments, the podcast uncovers the impact and implications of these financial changes.

Experts discuss the impact of immigration on Australia, addressing housing market issues and the need for skilled immigrants. They explore improving English skills, recognizing overseas qualifications, reducing discrimination, and a successful immigrant program in Ararat.

Investigative journalist Geoff White delves into how criminals launder dirty money using techniques like cash businesses, casinos, properties, cryptocurrencies, and the dark web. The podcast discusses cases of using cryptocurrency for money laundering, the rise and takedown of AlphaBay, cyber heists involving online games, the controversy of tools like Tornado Cash, and the parallels between tech companies and money launderers in operating environments.

Exploring the discrepancy between rising coffee bean costs and stagnant cafe prices, the podcast covers the impact of input costs on pricing, challenges in the Australian hospitality industry, supply challenges due to weather events, post-pandemic growth of cafes, and the evolving coffee culture in Australia.

People are drinking less alcohol, especially Millennials and Gen Z. And the drinks industry has noticed.Low-alc and no-alc drinks make up a tiny fraction of the market. But it’s growing at 7 percent a year. And, as more of us either moderate our drinking or stop altogether, the future for these drinks look bright.But the way they’re advertised, marketed and packaged makes them look very like alcoholic drinks and there’s some concern they may act as a gateway to alcohol.Guests:Simon Strachan, CEO, DrinkwiseElfrun von Koeller, Managing Director & Partner, Boston Consulting GroupAndy Miller, CEO, Heaps NormalDr Ashlea Bartram, Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, Flinders University

TikTok, the phone app that sends a stream of viral videos to every user, is in trouble in the United States. The company must either change its Chinese ownership, or leave the American market.In response, TikTok is underlining its economic contribution, in Australia and elsewhere.  So how much difference does it make?Guests:Dr Joanne Gray, Lecturer in Digital Cultures, University of SydneyAriana Hendry, Co-founder, BeysisKristian Kolding, Head of Consulting, Oxford Economics AustraliaProfessor Vili Lehdonvirta, Oxford Internet Institute, Oxford University

Exploring the debate between lab-grown and mined diamonds, guests discuss shifting market trends, consumer perceptions, and the rise of lab-grown diamonds. They analyze the impact of living costs on consumer choices, pricing trends, and the emotional connection people have with diamonds. The podcast highlights the importance of authenticity and real products in the diamond industry.

Shane Oliver and Richard Holden dive into Australia's budget, analyzing cost-of-living relief, government spending on green tech, and the historical context of industry support. They question the sustainability of sector investments and explore the impact on productivity, fiscal management, and investments in green hydrogen and critical minerals processing.

Australians have a sleeping problem. The most conservative estimates show one in 10 have a sleep disorder, which is having an impact on their safety, wellbeing and productivity.This ends up costing almost a $1 billion a week. And that’s not all. The total cost of inadequate sleep is thought to be as high as $75 billion a year.We’re not alone either. International research shows places like the US, the UK and Europe are facing similar problems, with similar costs.Guests:Shanthakumar Rajaratnam, Chair of the Sleep Health FoundationProfessor Ron Grunstein, The Woolcock Institute Wendy Troxel, The Rand CorporationZafina Ademi, Professor of Health Economics, Monash University

Daniel Susskind, Research Professor in Economics at King's, discusses the tension between benefits and consequences of economic growth. Topics include rethinking economic growth metrics, updating intellectual property laws for innovation, R&D investment for progress, and exploring optimism amidst global growth perspectives.