Hard-headed economic analysis applied to important economic, social, and environmental issues.
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When the award-winning Springfield café Screamin’ Beans announced its closure, Gene Tunny saw it as a symptom of a bigger problem: wage and regulatory costs rising faster than many small businesses can absorb. In this episode, Gene looks at a landmark Australian Fair Work Commission decision that could reshape pay for gig economy delivery drivers, and shares a conversation with John Humphreys of…
Most tax debates focus on the what: rates, base, and who pays. This episode is about the how: the process by which economic policy gets made. Drawing on his time in the Australian Treasury, host Gene Tunny argues that the latest changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing reflect a breakdown in good policymaking. They were announced on budget night without the consultation, published…
Housing affordability, congestion and rising living costs are putting pressure on Australia's major cities. Could stronger regional development provide part of the solution? Gene Tunny shares highlights from a recent discussion with Nationals leader Senator Matt Canavan on his "Hyper Australia" agenda. They explore regional infrastructure, public investment, economic concentration, GST…
Australia has endured nearly a decade of weak productivity growth, and living standards are under pressure. In this episode, Gene Tunny and John Humphreys explore the common thread connecting several major economic debates: investment and incentives. They discuss Australia's productivity slump, the Federal Government’s proposed capital gains tax changes, Brisbane’s Olympics infrastructure plans,…
Debt and deficits used to be political dealbreakers. So why don’t they seem to matter anymore? In this episode, Gene Tunny explores the concept of fiscal illusion with John Humphreys and Professor Sinclair Davidson. They examine whether Australia is “sleepwalking” into a more precarious fiscal position, and what could happen if a crisis hits. A thought-provoking discussion on debt, accountability,…
Free trade has long been a cornerstone of economic thinking, but is it still fit for purpose in a more dangerous and uncertain world? Gene Tunny is joined by Dan Ryan and John Humphreys to debate tariffs, industrial policy, and economic resilience. They explore whether Australia has gone too far in opening its economy, the risks of fragile global supply chains, and the perceived trade-offs between…
What happens when geopolitical tensions collide with domestic economic pressures? In this episode, Gene Tunny is joined by John Humphreys and Tom Switzer to unpack the economic fallout from escalating tensions with Iran. The conversation then turns to Australia’s housing affordability crisis—examining whether government policies, population growth, or supply constraints are to blame. Gene would…
Are fears of fuel shortages in Australia overblown—or are we underestimating the risks? Gene Tunny is joined by Dr John Humphreys and farmer Peter Rothwell to explore how rising diesel prices, fertiliser shortages, and supply chain stress could ripple through the economy. From supermarket prices to farm viability, this episode breaks down how a global energy shock could hit households and…
AI can write essays, generate code, and assist with research, but does that mean it will replace human workers? Economist Benjamin Shiller, author of AI Economics, joins show host Gene to discuss how AI may instead make human creativity and ideas even more valuable. In this conversation with Gene Tunny, they explore AI’s potential impact on jobs, productivity growth, education, and inequality, as…
Australia’s productivity growth has slowed to its weakest rate in decades — and that matters because productivity ultimately drives rising living standards. In this episode, Gene Tunny explores why productivity is so central to higher wages, economic growth, and sustainable prosperity. The episode features insights from Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, on why policymakers need…
