What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss

The Australia Institute
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What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss cuts through the spin to explain the political and economic decisions shaping the lives of everyday Australians. Richard connects the dots between policy and politics with sharp analysis. By getting straight to the point, Richard helps listeners understand how democracy works and why it matters. Presented by the Australia Institute.

  1. 1d ago

    What’s the point of progressive politics?

    The Prime Minister said he wants to promote ‘progressive patriotism’ – but his policies tell a different story. In this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard explains the dangers of centrism and what progressive politics actually looks like. More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble. Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now. Read more on The Point. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Producer: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang Show notes: Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP | Bernie Fraser Oration 2026 tickets Revenue Summit 2026 tickets Six weeks after Albanese pledged renewable-powered data centres, he’s already made an exception by Tegan George, The Point (August 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. Subscribe to What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts. Support What's the Point? & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4bkeiGc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Sep 14

    What’s the point of data centres?

    On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss examines Australia’s artificial intelligence boom and the political fight over who reaps the rewards. This episode was recorded on Friday 4 September. More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble. Read more on The Point. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Producer: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang Show notes: Climate Integrity Summit 2026 livestream tickets Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP | Bernie Fraser Oration 2026 tickets Revenue Summit 2026 tickets Six weeks after Albanese pledged renewable-powered data centres, he’s already made an exception by Tegan George, The Point (August 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. Subscribe to What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts. Support What's the Point? & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4bkeiGc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Sep 7

    What’s the point of the GST?

    On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains the goods and services tax. The GST was supposed to grow over time, so that state and territory governments would have a reliable income source to help them fund the important services they provide long into the future. Richard looks into whether it is actually working as intended. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute //@richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang Climate Integrity Summit 2026 livestream tickets. Order More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Show notes: GST Shortfall | The Australia Institute 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 topodcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts. Support What's the Point? & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4bkeiGc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Aug 31

    What's the point of the Productivity Commission?

    The Productivity Commission is a government-funded economic think tank that’s meant to give independent advice about how to make the Australian economy work better. On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses whether it is fit for purpose. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute //@richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang Climate Integrity Summit 2026 livestream tickets. Order More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Show notes: I want to see the Productivity Commission abolished – and even I think Labor’s attack on it was unfair | The Point 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. Subscribe to What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts. Support What's the Point? & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4bkeiGc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Aug 24

    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 Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble. Read more on The Point. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang Show notes: Climate Integrity Summit 2026, the Australia Institute National Gambling Toll, the Australia Institute The case for a gas export tax, explained by Richard Denniss, The Point (March 2026) There is no such thing as a safe seat | Fact sheet, the Australia Institute (October 2024) 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. Subscribe to What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts. Support What's the Point? & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4bkeiGc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Aug 17

    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, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang Climate Integrity Summit 2026 tickets. Order More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Show notes:National Gambling TollOnline wagering companies and company tax in AustraliaTheme 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. Subscribe to What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts. Support What's the Point? & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4bkeiGc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Aug 10

    What’s the point of EVs?

    On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains why electric vehicles have surged in popularity, and why EVs should play a central role in energy security. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang Climate Integrity Summit 2026 tickets. Order More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Show notes: https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260411-an-economists-advice-on-why-ev-range-anxiety-is-overrated 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. Subscribe to What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts. Support What's the Point? & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4bkeiGc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Aug 3

    What's the point of the Reserve Bank of Australia?

    On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains the purpose of the Reserve Bank of Australia and whether it's fulfilling that role. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang Climate Integrity Summit 2026 tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-climate-integrity-summit-2026?c=website Pre-order More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble. 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. Subscribe to What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts. Support What's the Point? & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4bkeiGc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss cuts through the spin to explain the political and economic decisions shaping the lives of everyday Australians. Richard connects the dots between policy and politics with sharp analysis. By getting straight to the point, Richard helps listeners understand how democracy works and why it matters. Presented by the Australia Institute.

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