Is 2024 the year of the renter?

Is the 2025 federal Budget right for these economic times? In this special pre-election Grattan podcast, our experts give their verdict. Host Kate Griffiths is joined by Grattan CEO Aruna Sathanapally and health policy expert Peter Breadon to analyse what was good in the Budget, what was missing, and what the next government – whether Labor or Coalition, majority or minority – should do to build a better Australia.

28 Maalis 16min

As Australia prepares for the 2025 federal election, our new Orange Book identifies the big reforms needed to set Australia on a more prosperous path. Find out what policies should be on the agenda of whoever wins the election – whether Labor or Coalition, majority or minority – on our latest podcast, with Aruna Sathanapally, Tony Wood, and host Kate Griffiths. Read the Orange Book: https://grattan.edu.au/report/orange-book-2025/

14 Maalis 20min

For decades, Australia has been a global leader in child immunization efforts. Vaccination has protected millions of children from preventable diseases like diphtheria, measles and whooping cough. But after child vaccination rates peaked in 2020 at around 95%, we're now seeing an alarming decline. In this podcast, health policy experts Peter Breadon and Wendy Hu discuss these concerning trends and what governments can do to boost vaccination rates in Australia. Hosted by Kat Clay. Relevant research - Child vaccination in Australia is falling - The Conversation (https://grattan.edu.au/news/child-vaccination-in-australia-is-falling/) - Falling vaccination rates endanger us all - The Sydney Morning Herald (https://grattan.edu.au/news/falling-vaccination-rates-endanger-us-all/)

28 Helmi 11min

Last Tuesday, the Reserve Bank of Australia delivered its first rate cut in over four years. For many, the tumultuous years of rate rises have felt like a cost-of-living gauntlet. Inflation has driven up the cost of household bills, groceries and housing, with families slashing their spending to make ends meet. Despite the RBA’s independence from government, the rate cut falls under the shadow of a looming election, and both major parties are using the decision to pitch policies that ease the cost-of-living crisis. On this podcast, host Kat Clay interviews Grattan experts Trent Wiltshire and Jessica Geraghty, on the RBA’s decision, what it means for the election, and Australia’s economic outlook. Helpful links: Statement by the Reserve Bank Board: Monetary Policy Decision https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2025/mr-25-03.html Australia's Productivity Pitch: https://engage.pc.gov.au/projects/productivity-pitch/surveys/idea/survey/your-idea#submissions

21 Helmi 21min

Most Australians have enough to enjoy a comfortable retirement. But too many retirees who rent are being left behind. Today, two thirds of retirees who rent privately live in poverty, including more than three in four single women. And a growing number of older Australians are at risk of becoming homeless. With home ownership falling across the board, it’s only going to get worse. On this podcast, host Kat Clay discusses Grattan’s new report, Renting in Retirement: Why Rent Assistance needs to rise, with authors Brendan Coates and Matthew Bowes. Read the report: https://grattan.edu.au/report/renting-in-retirement-why-rent-assistance-needs-to-rise/

7 Helmi 20min

Some communities are “GP deserts”, where there are too few GPs to ensure everyone can get the care they need when they need it. These communities are typically sicker and poorer than the rest of Australia, but receive less care and face higher fees. On this podcast, host Kat Clay interviews health experts Peter Breadon and Wendy Hu on the problem of GP deserts and how governments can fix them. Read the research: https://grattan.edu.au/news/how-to-eliminate-gp-deserts/

3 Helmi 13min

Each year, our staff curate the Wonks' List, a selection of the best technical reads for policy enthusiasts. From the housing crisis to trade policy, each of these works sparks discussion on pressing economic issues. On this podcast, Senior Associates Nick Parkinson and Elizabeth Baldwin break down what made the Wonks' List for 2024, and why. Read the list: https://grattan.edu.au/news/wonks-list-2024/

24 Tammi 17min

Do you find the idea of planning for your retirement overwhelming? If that’s you, you’re not alone. Our new report shows about 80 per cent of Australians find retirement planning complicated and about 60 per cent of Australians expect that their retirement will be financially stressful. But there are three things the government could do to simplify superannuation – so Australians can enjoy their retirement. On the latest podcast, Brendan Coates and Joey Moloney discuss their new report, Simpler super, and how these three reforms could take the stress out of retirement. Read the report: https://grattan.edu.au/report/simpler-super/

20 Tammi 20min