Best Centre for the Study of Governance and Society Podcasts (2025)

1
How to Vandalise Savings: the New Super Tax | Robert Carling 18:35

19h ago18:35

18:35

The proposed tax on superannuation balances exceeding $3 million is poorly designed, economically damaging, and sets a dangerous precedent by taxing unrealised capital gains, a Centre for Independent Studies paper outlines. In How to Vandalise Savings: the New Super Tax, economist Robert Carling delivers a scathing critique of the tax, calling for …

1
Rooftop Solar: Paradise Lost | Zoe Hilton, Michael Wu, and Aidan Morrison 1:37:33

2M ago1:37:33

1:37:33

In "Rooftop Solar: Paradise Lost," Zoe Hilton, Michael Wu, and Aidan Morrison examine the unintended consequences of Australia's rooftop solar boom. They argue that while rooftop solar has been promoted as a means to lower electricity bills and support the environment, it has inadvertently led to increased costs for non-solar customers. The paper a…

1
Rooftop Solar: Paradise Lost | Zoe Hilton & Emilie Dye 30:45

2M ago30:45

30:45

Rooftop Solar: Paradise Lost | Zoe Hilton & Emilie Dye In this episode, we delve into the findings of the Centre for Independent Studies' recent report, "Rooftop Solar: Paradise Lost," co-authored by Zoe Hilton, Michael Wu, and Aidan Morrison. The report challenges the prevailing narrative that rooftop solar benefits all consumers, revealing that …

1
Super for Housing | Peter Tulip & Matthew Taylor 54:39

2M ago54:39

54:39

In "Super for Housing," Peter Tulip and Matthew Taylor explore allowing Australians to access their superannuation funds to purchase a home. He examines the rationale behind this idea, considering home equity and superannuation as alternative means of securing retirement. The paper analyzes potential impacts on housing demand and ownership rates, a…

1
Australian citizenship and the crisis of civic virtue | Peter Kurti 35:07

3M ago35:07

35:07

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Kurti to explore the ideas behind his latest work, Fractured Loyalties: Australian Citizenship and the Crisis of Civic Virtue. We discuss the fundamental role of tolerance in a diverse democracy, the rising threat of antisemitism in Australia, and how weakening civic virtues are impacting social cohesion. Kur…

1
Super for Housing | Peter Tulip 20:28

3M ago20:28

20:28

In this episode, we delve into the proposal of allowing homebuyers to access their superannuation funds for purchasing a home. We explore how building housing equity and accumulating superannuation serve as alternative methods for ensuring financial security in retirement. The discussion highlights that while the government aims to ensure individu…

1
Fractured Loyalties. Australian citizenship and the crisis of civic virtue | Peter Kurti 42:58

3M ago42:58

42:58

In "Fractured Loyalties: Australian Citizenship and the Crisis of Civic Virtue," Peter Kurti examines the foundational role of tolerance in secular liberal democracies, particularly in embracing religious diversity. He explores how this principle, integral to the liberal conception of citizenship, is under threat due to a concerning rise in antisem…

1
Interest, Usury and the Common Good | Ian Harper & Peter Kurti 34:47

3M ago34:47

34:47

Interest, Usury and the Common Good by Ian Harper and Peter Kurti Read the paper here: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/interest-usury-and-the-common-good/ Listen to all our papers here: https://cisresearch.podbean.com/ Delve into the intricate history and ethical debates surrounding the practice of charging interest in "Interest, Usury, and the …

1
The Success of NZ’s Housing Policy Reforms | Stuart Donavan 20:51

4M ago20:51

20:51

In this episode, we dive into New Zealand’s groundbreaking housing policy reforms and explore how they’ve successfully tackled the housing crisis. Join us as we unpack the findings of the Centre for Independent Studies’ report, Less Crowded Houses: The Success of NZ’s Housing Policy Reforms and Implications for Australia by Stuart Donovan. What les…

1
Less Crowded Houses: NZ’s housing policy success and implications for Australia | Stuart Donovan 46:44

4M ago46:44

46:44

Less Crowded Houses. NZ’s housing policy success and implications for Australia by Stuart Donovan. Audio produced by Randall Evans. To read the paper: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/less-crowded-houses-the-success-of-nzs-housing-policy-reforms-and-implications-for-australia/ To become a member: https://www.cis.org.au/membership-2-step-1/ Introd…

1
Podcast - Knowledge and Expertise in Democratic Politics. 54:44

4M ago54:44

54:44

About the Talk In this episode of the Governance Podcast Associate Director Sam DeCanio, Dr. Jonny Benson, and Professor Jason Brennan discusses the relationship between knowledge, expertise and democracy. The conversation discusses whether democracy should be understood primarily as a system involving electoral choice, or whether democracy is a ty…

1
Podcast - False Prophets of Economics Imperialism: a discussion with Matthew Watson 1:05:16

4M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

About the Talk In this episode of The Governance Podcast, CSGS Director Mark Pennington discusses with Matthew Watson some key themes in Matthew’s new book False Prophets of Economics Imperialism. The discussion covers the tension in modern economic theory between mathematical modelling, axiomatic analysis, and their relevance to ‘real world’ empir…

1
The Argument For Debate: how school debating can improve academic outcomes and foster a stronger democracy | Deidre Clary & Fiona Mueller 50:38

4M ago50:38

50:38

The Argument For Debate: how school debating can improve academic outcomes and foster a stronger democracy. This podcast audiobook explores the pivotal role of debate in addressing Australia’s educational and civic challenges. With academic achievement in decline and public confidence waning, the nation's 2024 Senate Inquiry into civics education u…

1
Podcast - Liberal Democracy and the Challenge of Anti-Democratic Viewpoints 1:01:06

5M ago1:01:06

1:01:06

About the Talk In this episode of the Governance Podcast Mark Pennington discusses with Alasia Nuti the contribution of her new book Politicising Political Liberalism (Oxford University Press, 2024) co-authored with Gabriele Badano. The conversation covers philosophical and practical aspects of how to define when it might be justifiable to limit th…

1
Gorillas in the Mist: How Government Obscures Its Spending | Gene Tunny 34:24

7M ago34:24

34:24

In Gorillas in the Mist: How Government Obscures Its Spending, Gene Tunny examines how Australian governments increasingly rely on off-budget mechanisms—such as loans, equity injections, and special investment funds—to finance major policy initiatives without those costs appearing in the core budget balance. These tactics allow governments to maint…

1
Riches from Royalties: How Australia’s States and Territories Depend on Mining | Gene Tunny 40:33

7M ago40:33

40:33

In "Riches from Royalties: How Australia’s States and Territories Depend on Mining," Gene Tunny highlights how royalty payments from mining companies serve as a vital source of revenue for state and territory governments. These funds support essential public services such as health and education while helping reduce reliance on federal transfers. T…

1
The Rise of Activist Corporations: How activism agendas subsumed shareholder primacy | Peter Swan 48:43

8M ago48:43

48:43

The Rise of Activist Corporations: How activism agendas subsumed shareholder primacy by Peter Swan AO September 26, 2024 Australian companies have been shifting from a purely shareholder focus to a much vaguer, less accountable, and damaging stakeholder focus for many years. One important byproduct of this decline in shareholder focus has been form…

1
The Rise of Activist Corporations: How activism agendas subsumed shareholder primacy | Peter Swan 21:11

8M ago21:11

21:11

The Rise of Activist Corporations with Peter Swan - Interviewed by Emilie Dye. Australian companies have been shifting from a purely shareholder focus to a much vaguer, less accountable, and damaging stakeholder focus for many years. One important byproduct of this decline in shareholder focus has been former shareholder resources moving into ‘soci…

1
Government spending and inflation | Robert Carling 20:25

9M ago20:25

20:25

Read the paper here: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/government-spending-and-inflation/ That government expenditure in Australia has grown apace in recent years is well-known. The growth became gargantuan during the coronavirus pandemic. However, to a less dramatic extent, it was happening before the pandemic — and has continued since it ended. …

1
All Things Considered. Making Moral Sense of the Wars in Ukraine and Gaza | Nigel Biggar 56:17

9M ago56:17

56:17

All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies All Things Considered. Making Moral Sense of the Wars in Ukraine and Gaza by Nigel Biggar. Read the paper here: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/all-things-considered-making-moral-sense-of-the-wars-in-ukraine-and-gaza/ The pacifist answer to the problem of #war is straightforward. Any u…

1
Government Spending and Inflation | Robert Carling 16:02

9M ago16:02

16:02

Government spending and inflation with Robert Carling - Interviewed by Emilie Dye. That government expenditure in Australia has grown apace in recent years is well-known. The growth became gargantuan during the coronavirus pandemic. However, to a less dramatic extent, it was happening before the pandemic — and has continued since it ended. Some obs…

1
Podcast - The Dispersion of Power: A Critical Realist Theory of Democracy 1:02:08

10M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

About the Talk In this episode of the Governance Podcast, CSGS Director Mark Pennington speaks with Dr Samuel Bagg about his recent book - The Dispersal of Power: A Critical Realist Theory of Democracy, published by Oxford University Press. The book presents an in depth consideration of the problem of 'elite capture' and the possible strategies to …

1
Why Australia Needs Universal Early Numeracy Screening | Kelly Norris 16:57

11M ago16:57

16:57

International data have repeatedly shown many Australian school students struggle with mathematics. Around 10% of students achieve at a level that requires additional support (NAPLAN) or are below the international benchmark Trends in International Maths and Science Study (TIMSS) — which is the equivalent of around 400,000 Australian students per y…

1
Counting the Cost: Subsidies For Renewable Energy | Michael Wu 32:26

12M ago32:26

32:26

Counting the Cost: Subsidies For Renewable Energy By Michael Wu. For all references and graphs, please download the publication at the centre for independent studies website where you can also become a member of CIS. As this paper is graph and data-heavy, it’s a good idea to have the paper open as you listen along. Download here: https://www.cis.or…

1
The Impact of the Shadow Carbon Price | Michael Wu 5:43

12M ago5:43

5:43

The federal, state and territory Energy Ministers have introduced a shadow carbon price for the national electricity market. This ‘value of emissions reduction’ (VER) sets the value of carbon abatement at $66 per tonne in 2023, rising six-fold to $420 by 2050. Costs will be passed onto consumers through electricity network projects because the regu…

1
The six fundamental flaws underpinning the energy transition | Aidan Morrison 7:52

1y ago7:52

7:52

The Australian Government wants to transition our electricity system to net zero carbon emissions by relying on wind and solar power – excluding alternatives such as small nuclear reactors. Its justification for this switch rests on the claim that a renewables-dominated system is environmentally beneficial and economically superior to using fossil …

1
How to Build Low-Cost Nuclear: Lessons from the world | Aidan Morrison 42:37

1y ago42:37

42:37

How to Build Low-Cost Nuclear: Lessons from the world by Aidan Morrision. First published on April 11, 2024. For all references and graphs, please download the publication at the centre for independent studies website where you can also become a member of CIS. As this paper is graph and data-heavy, it’s a good idea to have the paper open as you lis…

1
Explaining the Science of Learning | Trisha Jha 13:57

1y ago13:57

13:57

The science of learning represents an opportunity to design instruction in a way that is likely to lead to most students’ success with learning. The evidence suggests explicit instruction of a well-sequenced knowledge-focused curriculum will lead to that success. But, what is the science of learning? Let's dive in with Trisha Jha to find out. All o…

1
Reading Albert O. Hirschman with Santiago Gerchunoff 20:27

1y ago20:27

20:27

In this episode of Research at the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy, host Yanina Welp and guest Santiago Gerchunoff speak about Santiago’s personal encounter with the Hirchman’s contributions to social sciences and humanities. Santiago Gerchunoff teaches Political Theory at Madrid Carlos III University and specializes in the study of historical…

1
Australia's 100+ Taxes | Robert Carling 14:14

1y ago14:14

14:14

Leading economists Robert Carling and Warren Hogan discuss our true tax burden, which is higher than most people believe. They outline how it has grown, why the federal and state governments are not interested in relieving the burden on Australians — and what needs to be done to prevent us sliding into a very grim future. #auspol All our links: htt…

1
Mind over matter. The philosophical arguments around AI, natural intelligence and memory | John Sweller 19:13

1y ago19:13

19:13

Mind over matter. The philosophical arguments around AI, natural intelligence and memory. In this intriguing research paper by Professor John Sweller, he deftly navigates the complex intricacies surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), natural intelligence, and memory. The entry in the research series of the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS), h…

1
Greedflation: Inflation with an Agenda | Warren Hogan 17:02

1y ago17:02

17:02

Warren Hogan is an eminent economist, and the founder of EQ Economics, a Sydney-based micro advisory firm, with a focus on providing economic and strategic advice to businesses in Australia. Warren is a regular in Australian and international media, and a columnist for The Australian Financial Review. He has also published extensively in The Conver…

1
Podcast: Liberal vs Paternalist Approaches to Economic Development Policy with Prof William Easterly 53:01

1y ago53:01

53:01

About the Talk In this episode of the Governance podcast, our Director Mark Pennington speaks to Prof. William Easterly from New York University on liberal vs paternalist approaches to economic development policy. The Guest William Easterly is Professor of Economics at New York University and Co-director of the NYU Development Research Institute, w…

1
Navigating Environmental Justice at Sea through Ethnographic Ways of Knowing with Jennifer Telesca 17:11

1+ y ago17:11

17:11

In this episode of Research at the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy, host Laura Bullon Cassis and guest Jennifer Telesca dive into the heart of environmental justice through an ethnographic lens. This episode unpacks the intersections of human-environment relationships, global ocean governance, and the politics of extinction. It delves into the…

1
What is the Science of Learning? | Trisha Jha 1:32:59

1+ y ago1:32:59

1:32:59

What is the Science of Learning? By Trisha Jha. Listen to all our research here: https://cisresearch.podbean.com/ Despite billions of additional experts and concerted efforts at reforming several pillars of the Australian education ecosystem, students’ results continue to plateau. While the focus on teaching quality and effective, evidence-based pr…

1
Podcast - Estonia and Socialist Reality with Matthew D. Mitchell 59:10

1+ y ago59:10

59:10

About the Talk In this episode of the Governance podcast, our Director Mark Pennington interviews Dr. Matthew Mitchell on the socialist reality in Estonia’s history. This episode is part of Matthew’s co-authored publication as part of the Realities of Socialism series run by the Fraser Institute. The Guest Matthew D. Mitchell is a Senior Fellow in …

1
Housing is becoming a pipe dream for young Australians | Emilie Dye 9:46

1+ y ago9:46

9:46

Read the paper here. In a comprehensive exploration of the Australian housing market, Emily Dye uncovers the stark reality of home ownership for young Australians. Homeownership has sharply declined over the past 20 years with the younger generations especially hit hard. Emily breaks down the complex terms such as 'housing affordability' and 'affor…

1
A Better Future With a Future Fund | David Murray 27:22

1+ y ago27:22

27:22

A Crucial Asset in the Economic Landscape In this comprehensive review, David Murray brings into focus the pivotal role played by Australia's Future Fund in cementing the country's long-term financial stability. Established in 2006, the Future Fund was devised to shift Australia's budget surpluses and asset sales into an investment aimed to counter…

1
From Panmure House to State Capitalism: Adam Dixon on the relevance of Adam Smith 59:49

1+ y ago59:49

59:49

About the Talk In this episode of the podcast, Prof. Mark Pennington interviews Prof. Adam Dixon on the contemporary relevance of the Scottish philosopher and political economist Adam Smith. The Guest Adam D. Dixon holds the Adam Smith Chair in Sustainable Capitalism at Adam Smith’s Panmure House, the last and final home of moral philosopher and fa…

1
Bungles, Blowouts and Boondoggles: why Australia’s infrastructure projects cost more than they should | Grahame Campbell 59:54

1+ y ago59:54

59:54

Bungles, Blowouts and Boondoggles: why Australia’s infrastructure projects cost more than they should. By Grahame Campbell A large amount of taxpayers’ money, state and federal, is expended on large scale infrastructure that is intended to play a crucial part in Australia’s growth and prosperity — although some of it is arguably wasteful or perhaps…

1
Alleged politicisation of the public sector | Dr Scott Prasser 20:43

1+ y ago20:43

20:43

In this special episode, Dr Scott Prasser and Prof John McMillan debate over the politicisation of the public sector. Dr Scott Prasser is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies and a former senior advisor to federal cabinet ministers. Prof John McMillan is an Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University. He has held forme…

1
The Life and Times of F.A. Hayek: A Conversation with Bruce Caldwell 49:11

1+ y ago49:11

49:11

About the Talk In this episode of the podcast, Prof. Mark Pennington interviews Prof. Bruce Caldwell, one of the co-authors of this recently published book Hayek: A Life. Few twentieth-century figures have been lionized and vilified in such equal measure as Friedrich Hayek—economist, social theorist, leader of the Austrian school of economics, and …

1
Adam Smith and Why He Matters Today | Paul Oslington 40:50

1+ y ago40:50

40:50

Are you a student who believes in free markets, smaller government, and individual liberty? Perhaps you’ve studied the works of Freidrich Hayek, Adam Smith, or Jonathan Haidt. If this sounds like you, the CIS has an exciting opportunity for you to meet and network with other like-minded people from Australia and New Zealand. Click here to learn mor…

1
How wasteful spending pushes up major infrastructure costs | Grahame Campbell 12:41

1+ y ago12:41

12:41

Read the paper here. A large amount of taxpayers’ money, state and federal, is expended on large scale infrastructure that is intended to play a crucial part in Australia’s growth and prosperity — although some of it is arguably wasteful or perhaps even pork-barrelling. And as the recent federal government Infrastructure Investment Review found in …

1
Bracket creep hits young Australians hardest | Matt Taylor & Emilie Dye 7:31

1+ y ago7:31

7:31

Bracket creep chips away at living standards, especially those of younger generations, a new Issue Analysis by Centre for Independent Studies outlines. The paper’s authors, Matthew Taylor and Emilie Dye, point out that Australia’s younger workers have the most to lose from bracket creep because bracket creep is regressive and hits harder for those …

1
The Stealth Tax | Emilie Dye 4:15

1+ y ago4:15

4:15

Bracket creep chips away at living standards, especially those of younger generations, a new Issue Analysis by Centre for Independent Studies outlines. The paper’s authors, Matthew Taylor and Emilie Dye, point out that Australia’s younger workers have the most to lose from bracket creep because bracket creep is regressive and hits harder for those …

1
Six ways to Debunk Degrowth | Gene Tunny 15:02

1+ y ago15:02

15:02

Increasingly there are calls for degrowth, not just to abandon the pursuit of economic growth, but to shrink economies. The call for degrowth comes from environmentalists, including activists in groups such as Extinction Rebellion, and some economists, particularly in the field of ecological economics. It is related to concerns about climate change…

1
Podcast: Liberty and Complexity in Liberalism and Conservatism with Dr. Greg Collins 49:12

1+ y ago49:12

49:12

About the Talk Can a moral or divine law independent of contingency accommodate the social and economic complexities of circumstance? Does a defense of custom necessarily repudiate the idea of immutable law applicable to all peoples and cultures? Is transcendent universality and spontaneous order reconcilable? This episode explores this age-old ten…

1
Young voters are deserting the right | Matt Taylor 9:15

1+ y ago9:15

9:15

There is growing evidence across the Anglosphere that Millennials and Generation Z are not showing the same propensity as earlier generations to vote centre-right as they age. Centre for Independent Studies research, drawing on data from the Australian Election Studies, suggests this is increasingly true in Australia. Lear what you need to know abo…

1
Teaching Behaviour: How Classroom Conduct Can Unlock Better Learning | Dr Tim McDonald 1:05:06

1+ y ago1:05:06

1:05:06

In Australia, and in education settings across the world, student behaviour and levels of student engagement are significant issues for teachers, school leaders, system administrators and the public. Student behaviour affects community perception, teacher efficacy and wellbeing, and the academic achievement of all students. When students are engage…

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