Everything you need to know about Australian public policy.
Grattan Institute is dedicated to developing high quality public policy for Australia’s future. Our...
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
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21:03
Why Rent Assistance needs to rise
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/
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20:12
What are 'GP deserts' (and how to fix them)?
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/
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13:43
The Wonks' List: The Best Technical Policy Reads of 2024
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/
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17:15
Super stressful: how Australia can simplify retirement incomes
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/
Everything you need to know about Australian public policy.
Grattan Institute is dedicated to developing high quality public policy for Australia’s future. Our podcasts cover a range of public policy topics focusing on the main issues facing Australia.
Our podcasts concentrate on budget policy, economic growth, energy, health, institutional reform, household finances, school education, and disability policy.
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