The Economy, Stupid

Experts discuss the economic and health impacts of loneliness, comparing it to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Data shows a shift in loneliness from older to younger Australians. Technology is examined as a factor contributing to increased loneliness, especially among Gen Z. Policy challenges and investments in services are explored to address the loneliness epidemic.

Nick Espinosa and Dr. Jay Jeong discuss the rising cyber-crime challenges facing Australian businesses, with ransomware costing $3 billion. They highlight the government's actions, the importance of cyber insurance, and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the private sector.

New research suggests that the increase in vaping across Australia will cost the health system an extra $180 million each year and that’s a conservative figure.Vaping has been framed as a way to stop smoking tobacco, however it can also be a gateway to taking it up. It’s estimated that 13 per cent of people who vape transition to cigarettes.The Australian government has called vapes a public health menace and introduced restrictive anti-vaping policies. But are these policies intended to drive positive change giving rise to a dangerous black-market?Guests:Professor Louisa Collins, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteDr James Martin, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Deakin UniversityBecky Freeman, Associate Professor of Public Health, Sydney University

Dr Thomas Sigler, Associate Professor at University, joins the discussion on the economics of daylight saving. Topics include impacts on health and finance, market returns post clock switch, seasonal effects, and radical solutions for daylight saving time.

Tina Angelidis and Pia Piggott discuss the rising cost of cocoa beans and its impact on chocolate prices. They explore challenges faced by cocoa farmers, the use of futures contracts in managing costs, and ethical sourcing issues in the industry. The episode also touches on the significance of Easter for chocolate sales and the luxury aspect of chocolate amidst price increases.

The podcast discusses the lasting advantages of home ownership, focusing on the increasing need for family assistance in expensive markets. It explores the trend of young adults receiving help from family for property purchases and the complexities of converting loans to gifts. The interplay between property ownership and family support is emphasized, along with societal implications and disparities in homeownership.

Innovation sparks thoughts of tech giants, inventions and Silicon Valley. While those companies in Cupertino may be good at generating extreme wealth, they’re not so good at spreading it across the communities they benefit from.Other places do better, particularly Switzerland, Sweden and Austria. What can we learn from them?Guest:Neil Lee, Author, Innovation For The Masses: How To Share The Benefits Of The High-Tech Economy

Exploring the billion-dollar wage theft in Australia, the podcast delves into cases involving major companies like Coles and Commonwealth Bank. Guests discuss protecting vulnerable workers, criminalizing wage theft, and improving rights for temporary migrant workers.

The market concentration of the beer industry. 

This podcast explores the economic cost of illiteracy in Australia, discussing the decline in reading proficiency among students and the need for structured literacy approaches. It emphasizes investing in teachers, tailored interventions for struggling readers, and recommendations for improving literacy in schools. The episode also touches on the evolution of teacher training, the importance of subject matter expertise, and negotiations for boosting education funding and standards.