The Economy, Stupid

Australia’s baby bust: what happens when a nation stops replacing itself?

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Australia’s birth rate is collapsing, heading for a record low next year, well below the level needed for the population to replace itself. Fewer ...

Stagflation is about to push unemployment higher: here's what to expect

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when the economy stops playing by the rules?We’re taught that inflation and unemployment move like a seesaw, one goes up, the other go...

Did the RBA just choose recession?

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank says it’ll do whatever it takes to crush inflation, even if it means Australia falls into recession. But for millions of Australi...

Navigating a global energy crisis

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

From food security to fuelling our air force, the global oil crisis threatens far more than the cost of driving a car. So what happens next?

War boosts GDP. But should it?

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

GDP is meant to measure economic progress, yet even war can make it rise. So what exactly is it measuring?

WA’s Special Deal: Fair Reward or Billion‑Dollar Rort?

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when the nation’s wealthiest state gets extra funding on top of a needs‑based system? Since 2019, Western Australia has received a s...

The Most Explosive Tax Debate in Australia Is Back

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Australia does something a bit weird: if you make money selling a house or shares, you get taxed at half the rate you’d pay on your actual job. Nic...

A Carbon Tax Comeback?

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Spending is outpacing revenue, and the budget gap isn’t closing.At the same time, Australia is drifting off track on its emissions targets for 2030...

Will this be the last rate hike?

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank has lifted rates, and if you’ve got a mortgage, you’ll feel it fast. A typical borrower on a $600,000 loan is up around $90 a m...

Interest rates set to rise: what does that mean for you?

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh conversations about the financial stories making headlines and how they might affect you.

Interest rates set to rise next Tuesday: what does that mean for you?

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh conversations about the financial stories making headlines and how they might affect you.

Will house prices go up in 2026?

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A year ago, we were told the housing market was about to cool, but it didn’t. What’s in store for us in the year to come? Guests: Amy Au...

The price of mental illness

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Australia’s mental health system is costly — and full of cracks. What would it take to fix it?

What would it take to house a nation?

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Australian housing dream is no longer guaranteed. Is it too late to turn things around? 

Could we really become a superpower?

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Some economists say Australia could become a clean-energy superpower — massively rich, world-leading. But how would we get there?

Why we don’t shop around (and why companies count on it)

25 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How do companies keep us paying more, and can we fight back?

Superannuation: Are We Saving More Than We Need?

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most Australians die with more money than they retired with. Are we squirrelling away too much into super — and if so, who benefits?

Every revolution starts with a bubble. AI is no different

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Economic bubbles inevitably burst, but often leave behind a better world. Can we hope the same for AI?

The 'weird' number running the country

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does GDP still capture the truth about Australian life?

Is corporate social responsibility dead?

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From sunscreen recalls and childcare failures to tech overreach, the corporate social contract is in crisis

How COVID changed Australian jobs

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a historic shock, Australia’s jobs market rebounded. But work has changed

An Uninsurable Future

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Floods, fires and spiralling premiums are pushing millions of Australians out of insurance. Can the system itself survive?

But what if the AI bubble doesn’t burst?

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank has paused rate cuts amid rising uncertainty, while investors pour trillions into AI — with consequences that could reshape jobs, ...

Why the official inflation rate feels wrong

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation’s jumped to 3.2% — but for many of us, it feels even higher

Australia is 'freaking amazing' - will that last?

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is an economic success story. But can the institutions that built it survive an uncertain world?

'Sexually transmitted tax debt'

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hidden debts, coercive control — and why the tax system can punish people most in need of help.

The great Australian wealth gap

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The rich keep getting richer while millions are falling behind. What future awaits us all?

Superannuation: Are We Saving More Than We Need?

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most Australians die with more money than they retired with. Are we squirrelling away too much into super — and if so, who benefits?

Each Generation Better Off?

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Australian generation has expected to be more prosperous, healthier and safer than the last. But the latest national wellbeing data tells a mor...

Australia's 2035 Climate Target: Economic Hit or Miss?

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is the government's "responsible" approach sensible politics, or a missed economic opportunity?

When Trade Wars Hit Home

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From postage costs to small business exports, new US trade barriers are disrupting daily life. How bad will it get?

The Economy is Growing - But Will You Be Better Off?

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The latest economic figures show Australia's GDP climbing, but does that translate into more money in your pocket or a better life? 

Can We Really Trust the Banks Again?

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After the Royal Commission exposed widespread misconduct, how did the banks pull off their reputation revival - and can we really trust them? 

Why Has Australia's Economic Progress Stalled?

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For decades, life in Australia seemed to move in one direction - forward. But now the promise of progress feels less certain.

Who Should Pay More Tax in Australia?

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Treasury has warned that Australia’s tax base is shrinking - and without reform, wage earners will carry more of the burden. So, who should pay mor...

How $1 Billion in Retirement Savings Vanished

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Economy, Stupid: the biggest superannuation scandal in Australian history — and who should have stopped it.

Inflation is down, so why is uncertainty rising?

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Australians are still in work, and inflation is coming down, yet economic uncertainty is far higher now that it was during the peak of COVID.So why a...

The End of Cash?

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're not carrying any hard cash on you right now, you're not alone - and that might be a problem.This week we look at Australia’s crumbling ca...

What's With Trump and Tariffs?

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In 2017, Donald Trump reportedly scrawled “trade is bad” in the margins of a speech — a blunt rejection of economic orthodoxy that has transfor...

A divided RBA

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week the Reserve Bank kept interest rates on hold, that was a shock for the industry, but the most surprising thing? For the first time, they to...

Won't Somebody Think of the Millionaires?

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What if you could earn over $1 million and pay nothing in tax? Turns out some Australians already do. Is it time to rethink the rules?  

How To Fix Tax?

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you could fix the tax system, how would you do it? The Treasurer is looking for ideas, and on Radio National's The Economy, Stupid, we have them. ...

Can We Build It? Embracing Abundance

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Treasurer Jim Chalmers thinks Ezra Klein's book, Abundance, is a ripper. Building things directly and sweeping away red tape could soon be part of a...

Productivity, Climate and a Room Full of Ideas

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Hawke’s 1983 economic summit to Rudd’s 2020 vision, big gatherings have sometimes sparked big reforms. Now Anthony Albanese wants to try aga...

Wages are up, GDP growth is down, what’s going on

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we heard GDP growth has dropped, yet we’ve just given ourselves a pay rise.  Does it really matter if the economy isn’t growing as muc...

How to spot the tricks suppliers use to stop us getting a better deal

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the chair of the Australian Energy Regulator, Claire Savage, advised us to “shop around” for a better deal as energy prices are set to...

Rates are falling. Inflation is steady. So what now?

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Reserve Bank has cut interest rates. Inflation is under control, unemployment is low, and the forecasts say ‘steady as she goes.’ What do we...

Is monopsony worse than monopoly?

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the world of monopsony - where sellers, not buyers, get the raw deal.So, how does this impact me as a consumer?Then, the link between prod...

Reform ready: What Albanese could do now

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With a strong second-term mandate, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has a rare chance to drive real change. From tax to housing to climate policy, the...

Inflation is down so why do we keep going on about the price of eggs?

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Australia’s inflation rate is now firmly in the RBA’s target band, but groceries, rent, and daily essentials still feel painfully expensive. Why...

What exactly is a recession?

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's more than job losses. It's dreams deferred and careers that never get off the ground. Why do the scars last a lifetime?Then, why does the Justic...

TikTok vs Louis Vuitton: How China's revenge tariffs are crashing the luxury market

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What do luxury handbags and kids’ colouring books have in common? They're both caught up in the latest economic crossfire. Then, we unpack the econ...

Has Trump put my financial future at risk?

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Super falling. Mortgage stress rising. Retirement plans, once solid, now blurred by uncertainty. There is an anxiety currently shaking Australian fin...

Liberation Day fallout: How Trump's tariffs will hit Australia

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump is promising more than the world has ever seen. What impact will the US tariff move have on Australian producers, businesses, shopper...

The election budget: would you rather a cut in tax (albeit small) or a year of cheaper petrol?

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The budget week that began with an unexpected tax cut has evolved into a debate about what we pay at the pump. What's better for you in the long run...

Australians spend more on beer than power – so why do electricity bills hurt more?

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Electricity makes up a smaller slice of household spending than beer or takeaway – yet power bills spark outrage like nothing else. With prices set...

A changed world: What's Australia's new reality in Trump's economic gamble?

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The US and Australian markets are in freefall, and now we face steep tariffs on steel and aluminium. That’s right, no special treatment for us down...

Cyclone Alfred could boost the next GDP figure. Here’s why the numbers don’t add up

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why destruction isn't counted against GDP, but the replacement is. 

A deal with god: is super annuity the answer?

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your super is funding U.S roads and data centres. Is it simply, too big for Australia? 

The RBA’s rate cut: a quick fix or a band-aid? How it affects you and why there might not be more to come

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The RBA dropped interest rates this week - smart move? Or is the RBA kicking the financial can down the road? Plus, the South Australian government h...

Tariff whiplash and Australia's inflation dragon

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tariffs are on the rise — so what does this mean for ultra-cheap sites like Temu? Then, is Elon Musk behind the recent slump in electric car sales?...

How much would a tariff war hurt, really?

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trump's tariffs are here, but do those voting for them really understand how they work? Plus, the housing market is cooling down, but should we take ...

Is a rate cut (finally) on the cards?

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With inflation down and right within the Reserve Bank's target band, is there any reason why we shouldn't now expect a cut in interest rates? Plus, a...

Trump is back: Here's what it means for you (and your wallet)

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With Donald Trump back in the White House, it's boom time for billionaires and tech bros. How much will these changes trickle down to Australia? Plus...

INTRODUCING — The Economy Stupid

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Economy, Stupid is your weekly guide to the world of business, economics and finance. Every Thursday, economist Peter Martin is joined by a team ...

The High Costs of Losing Sleep

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Australians have a sleeping problem. The most conservative estimates show one in 10 have a sleep disorder, which is having an impact on their safety,...

Story of Human Progress Through Six Materials

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist Ed Conway went on a journey to discover where the things we use in everyday life come from. He narrowed that search down to six vital mate...

The end of 'The Money'

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After nine terrific years explaining how the economy and everything in it works, Richard Aedy looks back at the highlights of the decade as well as A...

Why the NDIS is not enough

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The NDIS is vitally important, but because it was not designed to do everything, there are many areas where disabled Australians need more philanthro...

Dangerous Mondays and Black Fridays

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Not many of us care for Mondays, and statistically it really is the most dangerous day of the week as opposed to Black Friday where the biggest dange...

Is Germany's economic power under threat?

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Germany's economic dominance as Europe's biggest economy is in danger. A new book argues that the weaknesses have been brewing for decades, leaving G...

Trumpenomics 2.0

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump's economic agenda is clear: less taxation and regulation; more tariffs. But some of his programs will require a lot of money, which mean...

Should dental care be part of Medicare?

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Australians fork out much more on dental care than any other kind of health care. Which is why increasingly, people are delaying or skipping dental c...

As America goes to the polls, the economy is doing well, but people aren't feeling it

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the factors determining how people vote is the economy, and while America's is doing incredibly well right now, consumer confidence has slumpe...

The true cost of AI

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There's a seismic change heading our way that will drive up electricity and water usage and it has to do with the uptake of generative AI, including ...

Can we afford weight-loss drugs for all?

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Obesity and associated health problems cause a significant burden on health systems, but should weight-loss drugs be offered under our PBS just for w...

The global weapons industry and what it's worth

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The continuing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have horrified the world with the loss of life and devastation, raising the question, what's the c...

How religions work as businesses - an economic analysis

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a new economic analysis of religions, Paul Seabright argues that religions are not the antithesis of economics, instead he likens them to competin...

Each time you tap, you pay a little extra, and it all adds up

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Australian's love affair with paying by card - and not cash - has now surpassed 90% of transactions.  And each time we tap our card, the merchant in...

Should ASIC be split to ensure better corporate regulation?

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The recent Senate Economics Reference Committee chaired by Andrew Bragg, delivered an extremely critical report on the performance of the corporate r...

Is the Reserve Bank doing a good enough job?

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Treasurer Jim Chalmers recently said that 'high interest rates had smashed the economy'. And the Albanese Government has been set on driving through ...

Will the escalating cost of media sports rights change what we can watch?

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Free to air TV was once the only place to watch your favourite football match, but that could change as streaming services and tech companies now com...

Today's money is mobile and digital. So how might it evolve?

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're almost a quarter of the way into the 21st Century and already it's clear money has changed. It's increasingly mobile. It's (relatively) cheap ...

The Cost of Loyalty Programs

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It is a bird? Is it a plane? Well, yes, it is a plane, but it's also something much more.We all know that airlines fly passengers and freight around ...

The global race to the moon is on again

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

During RN's Science Week we focus on the business of space and the new global race to put people on the Moon. The space economy is predicted to be wo...

The Olympics are amazing, but what do they cost?

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Paris Olympics were designed to be 'infrastructure light' to avoid outlandish construction costs,  yet the overspend is estimated at $US1 billio...

Do CEOs deserve their huge salaries?

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How have CEO bonuses reached such stratospheric levels? What do chief executives have to do to get them and how does getting them influence how they ...

What have we learned from Crowdstrike's billion dollar IT outage?

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What does the Crowdstrike outage have to teach us about risk management and relying on cyber?

Our love affair with shopping malls

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Shopping malls are very big business globally and Australia's no different, with the twelve largest centres earning over $1 billion annually.  Initi...

Indigenous business and housing ownership is on the up

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Indigenous business and home ownership is on an upward trajectory. The role played by Indigenous owned and operated businesses in Australia's econom...

How do people plan to use extra money from Stage III tax cuts?

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, everyone who's got a job will have more money in their pocket, thanks to the introduction of the Stage III tax cuts? So how do people plan...

Immigration: Costs and benefits

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If we reduce the number of immigrants will that reduce pressure on infrastructure and the cost of housing? The short answer is yes, but it will cost ...

High-tech laundering - how crims use technology to make dirty money clean

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Making bucket loads of money from crime is one thing but what do you then do with it all? Investigative journalist Geoff White explains how big time ...

The coffee paradox

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Coffee prices have climbed on commodity markets but not so much in cafes. Why is that?

Low or No Alcohol: The Economics of Moderation

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

People are drinking less alcohol, especially Millennials and Gen Z. And the drinks industry has noticed.Low-alc and no-alc drinks make up a tiny fra...

The TikTok Economy

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

TikTok, the phone app that sends a stream of viral videos to every user, is in trouble in the United States. The company must either change its Chin...

Diamond Disruption: Lab Grown vs Mined, which gem would you choose?

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As they say a “diamond is forever”. But does it matter if that diamond is grown in a lab or mined from the Earth? Especially if they both are che...

Marking the Treasurer’s work: Three leading economists discuss the federal budget.

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This year’s Budget tries to do several things at once. In the short term it offers cost-of-living relief but tries not to contribute to inflation. ...

The Sleepless Economy: The High Costs of Losing Shut Eye

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Australians have a sleeping problem. The most conservative estimates show one in 10 have a sleep disorder, which is having an impact on their safety,...

Global Growth: The Benefits vs The Consequences

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You don’t need to be paying too much attention to be aware that economic growth matters.Growth is central to economics. And growth of the last 60 y...