How Australian high schools became the most expensive in the developed world

The privatisation of Australian high school education, originally led by the Howard government, has caused prices to soar.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the Reserve Bank’s decision to raise interest rates and the absurdity of elite private schools receiving substantial public funding.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 5 February 2026.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ to get $5 off the regular price – offer available for a limited time only.

Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut

Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek

Show notes:

Australian high schools the most expensive in the world – new research, the Australia Institute (February 2026)

What are the odds? The RBA has raised interest rates – for no real reason other than to meet the desires of speculators by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (February 2026)

“They rushed this”: why the Reserve Bank got it wrong by raising rates, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (February 2026)

RBA rate rise: we're in for a bumpy ride by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (January 2026)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.

Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(100)

The housing crisis is far from over

The government took on housing investor tax concessions to bring prices down, but more action is needed to address the rental affordability crisis. On this episode of Follow the Money, Maiy Azize and ...

26 Aug 28min

Will the midterms be NOT NORMAL? with Chas Licciardello

What might the midterms mean for an historically unpopular president? On this episode of After America, Chas Licciardello joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the latest from the midterm primaries, the “c...

24 Aug 31min

What’s the point of the crossbench?

On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains how the crossbench works and the politics of deal-making in federal parliament. This episode was recorded on Friday 21 August. More Fool ...

24 Aug 25min

Wage earners falling behind as major corporations rake it in

The latest data show real wages are going backwards, but Reserve Bank keeps seeing ghosts. On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss another quarter of no “wage-price spiral”, plus t...

20 Aug 35min

How the gas industry tricked Australia with Richard Denniss

Australians have been dudded by the gas industry. It’s past time governments admitted it. Dr Richard Denniss, Australia Institute co-CEO and author of More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Austra...

19 Aug 40min

USS Lincoln exposes fundamental flaw at the heart of Australian defence policy

If the United States government isn’t caring for its own military personnel, how could policymakers expect the US to come to Australia’s aid? On this episode of After America, Dr Emma Shortis and Angu...

17 Aug 32min

What’s the point of gambling reform?

On this episode of What's the Point?, Richard Denniss explains the lack of strong gambling reform, and why gambling losses continue to climb despite widespread calls for change. Host: Richard Denniss,...

17 Aug 17min

Should superannuation be used to control inflation?

Interest rates are the bluntest, sharpest tool. Is there a better way? On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss why superannuation could be a better way to control inflation than i...

13 Aug 34min