"The Week on Wednesday" with Van Badham & Ben Davison
Ben Davison
"The Week on Wednesday" gives you a deep-dive into the news themes of the preceding week, every week. It's digestible, accessible and light-hearted half hour from two people unafraid to tell it like it REALLY is.
Episodes
Episode 180: Fascist Versus Bin, Britain Has a New PM… and How to Feed a Thirsty Bee”
This week on The Week on Wednesday, Van Badham engages a lively and timely discussion about modern British politics and its resonance for Australia with recently elected councillor and UK Labour activist, Peter Marshall. Together, they pick through the wreckage of a smashed and unpopular local conservative movement and examine how billionaire money, chutzpah and social media manipulation have been weaponised to drag a right-wing, fringe-dwelling opportunist into the centre of national political life. SOUNDS A BIT FAMILIAR, DOESN’T IT? Van and Peter examine how economic powerlessness is converted into culture-war rage, why Keir Starmer’s substantial achievements could not protect him from algorithmically cultivated hatred… and what ordinary people can still do when the plutocrats get to play politics on easy. In a wide-ranging conversation that visits Billy Bragg, Barnaby Joyce, a man arguing with a bin and the democratic necessity of talking to your neighbours, they include some very important advice about helping thirsty bees. Enjoy!
EPISODE 179: An AI Invasion SPECIAL EPISODE, with extra good news about puffins.
Van Badham is joined this week by Australian Writers’ Guild CEO Claire Pullen for a SPECIAL EPISODE on the artificial intelligence invasion. Who owns AI? Who profits from it? Who gets to write the rules? From the challenge of copyright theft to the transformative impact of new technology on your job, my job and everyone’s job, Van and Claire go deep into sovereign capability, workplace automation and the political power of The Worst People in the World. They explore why the fight over AI is really a fight over democracy, grappling with the implications for future of work and the basic viability of human creativity. Along the way, they celebrate Australia’s scepticism, argue that the robots should be doing the laundry instead of writing TV… and finish with some super good news about puffins off the Isle of Man. Happy Week on Wednesday!
Episode 178: Poll dive for One Nation, the Online Information War... and Italian Forests
Van Badham reunites with Emma Dawson of the Chifley Research Centre to discuss the sudden poll dive of the not-so-inevitable One Nation Party, and they speculate on its causes. Are Australians just fickle? Are we fiercely proud of our multiculturalism? Just bigger fans of Paul Hogan than Karl Stefanovic? Or does the Australian citizen expect more from a political party than an "economic policy" that consists of a nine-minute YouTube clip of That Time the Leader Went on Sky? (I swear, I am not making this up). Emma and Van rightly take the organised movement of orange-flavoured pretenders to task, extending their analysis beyond the immediate fantasies of "monoculture" and launching at the destructive neoliberal economic beliefs they're designed to shield and carry. They also swing at the NEFARIOUS INTERNET SHENANIGANS in service to the "right wing populist" project, because Van just cannot help herself. Then they have a lovely talk about trees. If you enjoy this episode of The Week on Wednesday, please do share it with someone who likes their politics, economics and DEEP CULTURAL ANALYSIS with evidence, context, history... because those are cool and useful things, we really should have more of them. xx
Episode 177: The Fryer is a Liar, the Online Orange Disinformation Bomb and Soil-Powered Batteries
Van Badham and Ben Davison rip into Pauline Hanson’s National Press Club appearance, stripping the grievance from the reality that no, actually, one-in-five Australians DO NOT eat from bins. In this emotionally-charged episode, they unravel the politics of migration, housing, wages, economic anxiety and national identity woven into One Nation's well-funded magic carpet, while exploring why Hanson’s brand of populism remains politically potent despite repeatedly colliding with the facts. There's a wade through the puddle of trickle-down economics in Australian celebrity culture, a discussion of who really benefits from Australia’s economic settings and a reminder that being loudly confident is not the same thing as being right. Bonus content includes an unexpected history lesson on language wars in Francoist Spain, and unusually subdued dog... and if you’ve ever wanted a practical guide to answering Hanson-style talking points at the family barbecue, HERE IT IS. Enjoy!
Episode 176: The Imaginary Inflation Bomb, Not-So-Mutual Obligations and Chinese Fish
Van Badham is reunited with Ben Davison for an episode tackling the politics of inflation, the failures of Australia’s regime of "mutual obligations" and the economic challenges posed by an Australian economy organised around extraction rather than participation. Pluckily, our pair unpick the ideological legacy of trickle-down economics, lambast housing speculation, explore labour market distortions and decry the punitive culture surrounding unemployment... before closing with an unexpectedly hopeful environmental story from the Yangtze River in China. Bonus content includes Germanicus the dachshund licking the microphone, accidental lessons in audio engineering and at least one attempt to explain why “a sudden outbreak of laziness” is not a thing. The Week on Wednesday is BACK, baby! Enjoy it!
Episode 175: Busting Budget Myths and Saving Giant Tortoises
Van Badham is joined by the articulate an impassioned Emma Dawson of the Chifley Research Centre to get down and dirty in the "earthquake" aftermath of the Albanese Labor government's nation-changing 2026 Budget. Van and Emma think that Dr Jim Chalmer's has got the right mix of ambition, pragmatism and sweet, sweet tax reform... but what are the opposition parties and online commentariat saying and does it match any reality whatsoever? Emma says "nonsense", Van considers the parallels with how economics is fought as a culture war front in the United States... and, fortunately, the words "tortoise guardians" come into being before the episode is over. Cunning ploys and badly-behaving richkids find their moment, but Van and Emma are bringing truth bombs to a schoolyard dust-up. Hey, kids - enjoy the show!
Episode 174: 2026 Budget Special and - OMG! - this Budget IS special!
Van Badham and Ben Davison pack a bumper 90 minute episode with the deep explanations you need to understand the Alabanese Labor government's 2026 Australian budget delivered by Dr Jim Chalmers. Get some clarity amidst the aaaaabsolute nonsense being spread by OH, YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS WHO in the media and online as Germanicus the dachshund snores sweetly in the background. Not only will you hear in this episode literally everything you ever wanted to know about negative gearing and capital gains tax (like, "what, uh, actually are they? how do they affect my life?") but there's also some fantastic news about Trump on the Gold Coast. Maybe not great news for him... but certainly happy times for the rest of us! Enjoy!
Episode 173: An NDIS for communities, not for cowboys; let’s talk about tax it’s a gas gas gas… and good news about renewables - from a war zone…
Van Badham is in Sydney and Ben Davison’s in Ballarat, but they’re brought together by the miracle of technology and sheer force of will to discuss the Albanese government’s reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, gassing about taxes ahead of the budget, and some truly amazing news - about the environment - out of Ukraine. There’s lots of union news relevant to, well, everyone who works - and you can also help the good concrete workers of Hytec here: https://tinyurl.com/48Blitz-Hytec (https://tinyurl.com/48Blitz-Hytec)
Episode 172: War against Iran, Culture War against the Vatican, War Crimes... and good news about British Beavers
Van Badham and Ben Davison survive Trump’s threat of nuclear was to discuss the Hungarian election and Viktor Orbán’s illiberal rule and its EU/Ukraine implications. They then explore Trump’s escalation with Iran, chaotic U.S. decision-making, international peace efforts, and whether it was wise for Trump to declare a culture war against the actual Vatican. How does this relate to the Ben Roberts‑Smith civil and criminal proceedings - beyond the broader need for military accountability in democratic societies? You’ll have to listen to find out… but the good news is all about beavers. GO THE BEEVS!!
Episode 171: The Fuel Crisis, Trump's new forever war and the good news is about bilbies, this is the Week on Wednesday
This week, Van Badham and Ben Davison juggle a chaotic dog incident while discussing multi‑employer bargaining and planned industrial action by local government workers in Victoria. The dogs calm down enough for Van and Ben to get into the details of the spike in fuel prices driven by Middle East and Ukraine conflicts - and the related misinformation about this online. The discussion around Australia’s fuel reserves and policy responses naturally escalates into critiques of U.S. military action in Iran and its global geopolitical fallout. The good news is that it’s Easter, and bilbies are involved! TASTY, TASTY bilbies! Enjoy!
Episode 170: The South Australian election and its discontents, America brings Australia and Europe closer together… and the good news is about a Mega Hedge.
In robust form, Van and Ben discuss South Australian election - Labor’s emphatic win, One Nation’s vote versus their actual seats and how Liberal collapse is about a specifically right‑wing fragmentation, whatever fantasy alternative scenario the online and offline commentariat prefers to entertain. They get into the meaty detail of the new Australia-EU trade agreement (good news for wine lovers AND people who love democracy) and Van gets excited about a British “megahedge” while new dachshund puppy Miccius brings some, uh, aural texture to discussion. It may be a Thursday but it will always be the Week on Wednesday!
Episode 169: New Cabinets, Old Wounds, and Wacky Ted: This Week on Wednesday
Van Badham (on her own while Ben’s away!) explores Australia’s new parliament, a record-breaking Labor majority, and freshly shuffled cabinet - but the real news? Susssssan Ley may be the Liberals’ new leader, but is she flying the Liberal plane straight into the glass cliff? Meanwhile, the Greens are fighting amongst themselves (again) about putting the “landlord” into “leadership” and Captain Carry On - aka, Andrew Hastie - role plays as the Aussie Pete Buttigieg… if Pete were right-wing, allergic to universities and not very fun at a party. Van also asks: if a National Party leadership challenge is taking place, does it make a sound? And the answer appears to be no. No, it does not. Meanwhile, there’s a surge in diversity on Labor’s benches worth celebrating as well as - YES, OMG - real wage growth that’s outpacing inflation as the actual business of government somehow manages to roll on. And if that weren’t enough good news, there’s been a breakthrough in the breakdown of forever chemicals, by jiminy! It may be one woman talking to herself for 45 minutes, but we hope you enjoy it!
Episode 168: Landslide! Labor's Historic Victory and the Lessons for the Right
Van Badham and Ben Davison deliver an unmissable post-election edition of The Week on Wednesday, unpacking one of the most extraordinary federal election results in Australian history. With Anthony Albanese securing Labor’s biggest win since WWII, defeating not just Peter Dutton but also Greens leader Adam Bandt, Van and Ben bring deep analysis, biting wit, and raw insight into: - What led to Labor’s sweeping mandate - Why the Coalition suffered such a brutal collapse - The spectacular fall of the Greens’ lower house ambitions - How union campaigning and party discipline shaped the outcome - The Trump effect—and how Australian voters emphatically rejected it - The nuclear fantasy and the cost of out-of-touch ideology - Why the "parliament of independents" myth finally imploded Their signature candid discussion takes on democratic responsibility political fantasy and hope hope hope, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about where Australia is headed next.
Episode 167: Brethren, Robes, and Ballot Box Shenanigans
Van Badham and Ben Davison launch into analysis of the Australian election campaign so far, with Ben barely emerged from a three-day strategy lockdown at his job but happily reunited with faithful hound, Germanicus. Van has been keeping an eye on the election, and a couple of perturbing recent twists: parents from Catholic schools in key marginal seats received thinly-veiled “We’re not saying vote Liberal, but…” letters from the Catholic education authorities and publishing them on the internet, with horror. Van, a Catholic herself, delivers a righteous takedown: Just when you thought it couldn’t get weirder—enter the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (aka Exclusive Brethren). Members of this secretive sect are popping up en masse at pre-poll booths as Liberal volunteers, particularly in teal and Labor marginals. Uniformly dressed, slogan-repeating, and cagey about their affiliations, Van explains their ultra-conservative, anti-worldly ethos: “No pets, no pop music, no pants for women—but apparently, private jets are fine.” The vibes, friends - are sus. Ben gives a summary of the polling data this far, and what it’s telling us - but we end with liquid gold. Companies Peequal and NPK Recovery collected 1,000 litres of female runners’ pee at the London Marathon and turned it into fertiliser for wheat—enough for 3,000 loaves of bread. Quote of the day: “It’s brilliant to think that the nervous wees of thousands of women are helping a good cause.” Enjoy the show!
Episode 166: Housing, health and education: The debates we all have to have, and the bobcats we deserve
Van Badham and Ben Davison are back - with new tech, new producer (welcome, Casper!), and a jam-packed episode on everything that matters. After three debates and polling momentum seeming to flow to Labor, Van and Ben pick apart three defining (and revealing) policy conversations of the election campaign: housing, health and education. From the ideological shockwaves of Dutton’s Trump-flavoured Coalition to Albo’s pitch for a Big Labor Legacy, it’s the election campaign Australians have to pay attention to. With the dog in Ben’s lap (an occasionally growling), Van and Ben break down the real differences between policies (hint: one builds houses, the other is more of a vibe), unpack the return of old Liberal tricks, and even find time to celebrate bobcats roaming free in New Jersey. It’s fierce, funny, forensic - and not to be missed.
Episode 165: Dr Jim's Australian budget box of delights, Donald Trump's group chat gone wild and African penguins forever
On her own today (yes, poor Ben is STILL unwell), Van takes you through some highlights of Dr Jim's 2025-26 Australian budget, the insane, almost-unbelievable story of the Trump administration's "group chat" scandal, and some good news for African penguins. Yes, the budget includes actual money for women's health (hello menopause clinics!), green iron, and schools. Yes, a real journalist got added to a U.S. government Signal chat where they were planning airstrikes. And YES — for once — something good has happened for penguins. It's a bananas world, but Van is here to help you make sense of it! Please light candles and sing songs of magic that Ben can be back next week; we must not let the bananas prevail.
Episode 164: Dutton plays at being Temu Trump to avoid explaining his policies for the election and good news about electric cars
Van Badham and Ben Davison devote an episode to pulling apart the world’s most uncharismatic populist, Peter Dutton, as well as his energetic attempt to make Australia as dysfunctional as it was last time he was in government: with plans to reduce workplace pay and safety gains, sack 38,000 public servants, end fee-free TAFE, strip universal childcare provisions and dance for Gina Rinehart and the fossil fuel industry like an auditionee for a “Fame” revival. While Dutton promises a suite of policies that might sound "solution-y" - from nuclear energy proposals to changes in superannuation for home buyers - it's such a Trump-like approach, it's little wonder "the Temu Trump" nickname is starting to stick. How this may manifest in a his campaign pitch and how those who want to stop him should respond to it is also TOP OF MIND. There’s also good news about cars in Norway, and Germanicus is finally successful in crawling up onto Van’s lap. Join us as we unpack the intricate dynamics of the day, offering our own SPARKLING TAKE on why risking Peter Dutton is a bad, bad, very bad idea. AND Van gives our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters a shoutout!
Episode 163: Auspol in 2025, Australia's economic position, disinformation and good news about renewables
Van Badham and Ben Davison are FINALLY back! Today, they take "Auspol 2025" head-on. As a federal election looms, the episode explores reality versus hyperbole around the Australian economy and considers the role of disinformation warping the view. The good news is about the growth of Australia's renewables infrastructure set to energise MILLIONS of homes. Ben shares his expert insights on the economic landscape, highlighting the strength of Australia's fundamentals and dissecting the misinformation clouding public perception, Van is more grateful than ever for having gone to art school, and Germanicus yaps at at least two passers by (you've missed him the most, people, haven't you?!). As Australia gears up for an election year, the podcast assesses the capitalist conditions imposed on political discourse, the Xenophobic Lie Machine, Peter Dutton's "nuclear mcguffin" and the economic implications of all three. It's a bumper return episode and we are just so glad to be back! Thanks for sticking with us over QUITE the challenging year!
Episode 162: Trump's Debate Meltdown and the Scourge of Disinformation
Van Badham and Ben Davison (and Germanicus the dog) HAVE RETURNED! As Ben recovers from twelve months of illness, this long overdue return to The Week on Wednesday begins with heartfelt gratitude for the Medicare system, as you’d expect. Our delighted duo then analyze the first U.S. presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, highlighting Harris's effective preparation and Trump's off-chops - and certainly weird - shouty rants about pet-eating in Ohio. They also explore news from the word of “Disinfoland”, concerning the arrest of Telegram's Pavel Durov in France, the suspension of Elon Musk’s “X” platform in Brazil and the indictment of two alleged Russian agents for “information laundering” pro-Putin talking points through U.S. right-wing influencers. Ben encourages you to JOIN A UNION, and Van cuddles the dog. A big shoutout to our supporters who’ve stayed with us all these months; friends, we are SO BACK. More on the US Presidential debate: https://www.npr.org/2024/09/11/nx-s1-5108401/donald-trump-debate-eating-dogs-cats-immigrants-false-stereotype Great piece from Alexander Howard about the present window for effective social media platform regulation: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/10/opinion/telegram-tiktok-x-social-media.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare Sally McManus explains the allegations against the CFMEU: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Srn4vDrnuCrxcmCa/ Come see Van’s new show about Nazis in Melbourne: https://melbournefringe.com.au/event/werewolf/ Buy us some coffee (and we’ll spend the money on ads): https://buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday
Episode 161: Dr Chalmers Keynesian budget remedy
Van Badham and Ben Davison journey into the heart of Australia's Federal Budget 2024. Our hosts dissect Dr Jim’s reintroduction of nation building into macroeconomic management in a discussion that spans the breadth of the budget from fun nuance to big-picture policy decision and rejects the screaming-banana response of the Murdoch media. Join our hosts as they examine how the media has been conditioned since Howard to expect budgets that are little more than lists of marginal seat give aways and how Jim Chalmers has delivered a truly Keynesian budget that seeks to manage the economy not just tax and spend it for votes. From tax cuts to cost-of-living relief, education to housing, we unpack complexities and implications of each policy decision on your household, your wallet and the Australian future to come. Also, the dog barks, cutely.
Episode 160: Stopping male violence, the education budget we have to have and big batteries
Van Badham and Ben Davison have rescheduled Wednesday to a Monday this week, to delve into the labyrinth of policy complexities surrounding the fight to end violence against women and children, highlighting the frustrations and challenges faced and dissecting the terrifying implications of a private school’s latest misconduct scandal. As the Albanese government makes a string of announcements wiping student debt, funding practical placements and increasing fee free TAFE, we discuss why funding public schools to the minimum resource standard is imperative for Australia's future. We also find hope in a heartening good news story about renewable batteries revitalizing old coal country. Be part of the change for better by listening to our gentle exhortations to JOIN YOUR UNION: you can do it right now at www.australianunions.org.au/wow And if you want to support us directly, come visit us at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday.
Episode 159: A future made in Australia, the disinformation wonderland & solar cars
Van Badham and Ben Davison start their Wednesday on a Thursday with discussion of the federal government’s “Future Made in Australia” policy suite, and just what a policy dedicated to local jobs exposes about the people who criticises it and why unions are supporting it. Join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow SPOILER ALERT: trickle down economics gets the rightful kicking from Ben that it deserves. Next, Van’s horror at the massacre in Bondi Junction, turns to rage about the carnage opportunism of online disinformation influencers exploiting the tragedy. The good news, though, is about solar cars! If you'd like to become a supporter and make a contribution go to www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday Remember all our Extend the Reach and Cadre supporters get acknowledged by Van every episode
Episode 158: Tasmanian election lessons, narrative wars, its the economy and good news about airships
Baby, we are BACK! Van and Ben return after a super frustrating hiatus to discuss the issues of the day in their inimitable style. The recent Tasmanian election has thrown up a complex and divided result, delivering more crossbenchers to the parliament than opposition members, and the Liberals forming minority government with nothing to guarantee the passage of legislation but wild hope. Ben and Van discuss this in the context of Tasmania’s unusual electoral system and the politics of independent representation more broadly. The analysis continues as Ben breaks down the ongoing good news about the Australian economy, with the unsurprising if excellent news that union members are seeing significant pay increases as the result of the newly legislated frameworks for improved collective bargaining. (If you want in, join your union right now via www.australianunions.org.au/wow Ben peeling back the obfuscations of the Liberals and works through why Labor’s successes aren’t more broadly known. The distraction politics of Peter Dutton and the Amazing Modular Nuclear Reactors That Don’t Actually Exist is placed in the context it so duly deserves. Finally, the good news is about airships. This is at least the third time this show has celebrated airship initiatives, as Van is obviously obsessed with them, everyone should Be, they are the jewels of the air and the future of all humanity! (It is possible that Van wrote this). We’d like to thank all of our listeners for their continued support and solidarity with us over this period of Ben’s illness. It means more to this household than you could possibly know. You can become a supporter and leave us a message at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday
Weekend Wrap 3 December 2023: Employment services reforms, the grind of government and the media circus
Ben Davison returns to take a look at a week in parliament that saw the Closing Loopholes bill pass the lower house, the greens and coalition team up to block the new shared home equity scheme, the mess that Labor is trying to clean up from Dutton's unlawful immigration detention scheme and Julian Hill's inquiry into Employment services. The Employment services inquiry has found a huge amount of waste, an ideological system that punishes people and fails to actually help people get work. Ben takes a look at the report, Van Badham's latest Guardian article on the topic and the insights of Per Capita CEO Emma Dawson as the Labor government considers changes that Dutton's Coalition has already said they will oppose. The Labor government's reform agenda is starting to face multiple fronts of inertia, vested interest and a media more interested in a fight and "who's winning" than in the impact that governing can actually have in people's lives. Ben take a look at why we need to cut through the noise and keep the debate focused on the billions of dollars and millions of lives that are improved by reform.
Episode 157: Generational economic divide, Loopholes closer to closing & good news on renewables
Van Badham and Ben Davison give and update on the For Every Child public school funding campaign (www.foreverychild.au/postcard) , the Maritime Union campaign to stop wage theft in shipping and take a deeper dive into the progress on Closing the Loopholes for labour hire, casual and gig workers. it is Go Home on Time Day! Workers are losing billions in unpaid overtime and through the corporate exploitation of loopholes. Van and Ben discuss how the union movement is tackling this problem and why you should join at australianunions.org.au/wow The systemic generational and class divides that are being defended by big corporate interests, billionaires and those who believe in the RBA ideology come into sharp focus as Van and Ben discuss some of the latest research showing just how much economic insecurity is impacting people and how disinformation is trying to keep working people divided. Why? To slow and prevent changes that would benefit everyone at the expense of the already wealthy and powerful. The good news is that renewable energy has driven power bills down to almost ZERO in Portugal! Proving that we can, over the long run, take control of our energy emissions and bills. As always Van acknowledges our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who have made ongoing financial contributions to helping us build the audience for the podcast. Become a supporter at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday
Weekend Wrap 19 November 2023: Profiteers cash in, school funding needs fix and why Albo went to APEC
Ben Davison returns with the weekend wrap to look at how corporate share buy backs are further evidence of profiteering driving inflation and why the Closing the Loopholes legislation is needed asap. You can join your union at www.australianunions.org.au/wow to add your voice to the millions calling for wage increases instead of profit payouts. The Australian Education Union has released new research that shows our public schools are underfunded by the almost the same amount as the share buy backs that just the big banks are handing out, that private schools are on track to be OVER funded by $3Billion and that the government investment in public education makes a return TWO to FOUR times! If you want our public schools properly funded go to https://www.foreverychild.au/postcard to send Albo a message. Finally Ben discusses why Albo needed to go to APEC, why Dutton is attacking him for it and how the Coalition is still desperate to find an existential threat, other than climate change, to justify its existence. If you enjoy our podcast you can help us reach more people at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday
Episode 156: Wages rise, Duttons dangerous disinformation, why school funding is a targeted use of the surplus and good news for stone workers
Van Badham and Ben Davison dig into the best wage rise numbers in more than 20 years, discuss why many people will still be going backwards and, as the ACTU Price Gouging Inquiry wraps up, what we can do to help stop the profiteering. The union movement wins on minimum wage, awards, for aged care workers and improved collective agreements are lifting wages so if you want to see your pay get above the cost of living join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow Peter Dutton is back on the disinformation train, this time using a High Court decision to score political points at the expense of at least 74 innocent people. Indefinite detention has been ruled unconstitutional and the rules that Dutton put in place during his time in government have been exposed as not just morally without basis but also without legal standing. As Labor moves to fix these issues Dutton has ramped up mis vitriolic disinformation. Could it be a handy distraction from his party voting against returning $9 billion in unpaid workers wages? Or the loss of another of his moderate MPs to the cross bench? Or is it just that he bought the Trump/Bannon franchise and is determined to play it out? There's talk of another surplus budget and the ideas are already flowing. Ben and Van discuss why Albo's targeted cost of living relief is, in general, the right approach and also why supporting the 98% of public schools that are currently not funded to the MINIMUM level needed for every child is both targetted cost of living support and an investment in the future. Show your support for properly resourcing every school at https://www.foreverychild.au/postcard The good news is that the CFMEU and the broader union movement is winning the campaign to ban engineered stone. Ikea has joined Bunnings in announcing they won't stock the killer products in the future. A national policy is on the horizon and the campaign to prevent workers dying for bench-tops continues. Van acknowledges our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who have signed up at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday to help us get this podcast into even more ears each and every week.
Episode 155: Optus outage chaos, new RBA is just like the old RBA and good news from America
Van Badham and Ben Davison dish the latest on the Optus outage chaos that has swept across Australia - and argue why key national infrastructure should be in public hands. They discuss why another interest rate rise is yet another painful example of an economy outgrowing the neoliberal zealots who insist on running it, and they take a tour into the history of abusive welfare policy. The good news is from America - with key victories for Democrats (and the rights of women) in Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky elections. The dog makes a number of noises that we hope you politely ignore and the whole unscripted, unedited and DELIGHTFULLY ORGANIC conversation is recorded through an improvised tether on Van's (Telstra) mobile phone...
Episode 154: Corporates fight to keep loopholes, Be that teacher for every child, Medicare boost and good news about spiders
Van Badham and Ben Davison shine on a spotlight on the attempts by corporate giants BHP, Qantas and Doordash to keep the labour hire, forced casualisation and sham contracting loopholes open at this week's senate committee hearings. Van lays out what is wrong with capitalism in Australia and why being in your union, join at australianunions.org.au/wow, has never been more important with over $9,000,000,000 that could become wages if the loopholes close. Jason Clare, federal Education Minister, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today launched a $10M campaign to recruit more teachers. Ben and Van discuss why its a good start but that getting the 98% of public schools that are currently underfunded up to the minimum standard will do more to address the workload, wage and classroom issues that are creating teacher shortages. You can send the PM a postcard at https://www.foreverychild.au/postcard to show your support for every child being able to access a quality public education. Albo had a busy day as he also joined Health Minister Mark Butler to announce a boost to the Medicare bulk billing incentive. The tripled incentive will help 11,600,000 Australians get better access to bulk billing doctors. Van and Ben discuss why they focus on these core material stories that impact millions of working people when so much of the media is now dominated by culture war issues. The good news is from our friends at Labor for Farrer and is about spiders! Plus Van gives a shoutout to our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters. Head over to www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday if you'd like to help us grow our audience.
Weekend Wrap 29 October 2023: Albo goes to Washington, Insiders misses context and the rules based order
Ben Davison gives a breakdown of Anthony Albanese's successful state visit to the United States and places it in the context of what has been happening in the US, the Biden administration demonstrating the "imperial presidency" while the Republican bicker over the speakership and some of the tangible positives for Australia. Insiders seemed unable to grasp how international politics and domestic politics actually interact so Ben explains what being a "middle power" actually means and why the international rules based order is a constantly evolving concept that dates back to the Treaty of Westphalia and the end of the Holy Roman Empire but now includes people's right to join a union, the rights of people with a disability and equal opportunity for women. join you union at australianunions.org.au/wow Plus there is a shout out for the recent world teachers day and the For Every Child Campaign that is trying to get the 98% of public schools that are currently underfunded their full and proper funding.
Episode 153: Unions ban deadly dust, Profits fuel inflation pain, World Teachers Day and good battery news
Van Badham and Ben Davison are back with a new podcast episode that tackles why anyone would want to keep making a product that kills the workers who create it, how corporations have done just fine during high inflation and why they are spending millions to stop the government closing the loopholes that let them pay people less than their entitlements. The union movement has said it will ban the use and transport of engineered stone if the government does not act and it has called for stronger workers rights to lift wages. Join you union at australianunions.org.au/wow With inflation jitters spooking economists Ben and Van discuss why the economics of neo-liberalism continues to get it so wrong, what today's inflation figures might mean and why reducing our dependance on foreign oil is increasingly important. October 27th is World Teachers Day so Van and Ben preview the For Every Child campaign, check out foreverychild.au , which is trying to get full funding for the 98% of public schools which currently don't have the minimum funds required to meet every child's needs. Van really lays out the issue. Plus there is good news about Australia's biggest battery! If you'd like to help support the podcast to reach more people check out our page at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday and you too can have Van read your name at the end of EVERY episode!
Weekend Wrap 22 October 2023: Middle East, Fee free TAFE, Worker actions, Parental leave, state tax bonfire
Ben Davison takes a look at some of the stories form this week that Insiders missed given their focus on the Middle East. While the situation in Israel and Gaza is horrendous, Ben gives a brief synopsis, there is lots happening in Australia. The new National Skills Agreement is a win for the Australian Education Union, workers and employers who will benefit from the $30 billion investment in TAFE including another 300,000 fee free places in 2024. 1,400 United Workers Union diary workers took a 48 hour strike this week, AMWU members in Tasmania took action, NTEU workers took actions in Victoria and Queensland while AWU and MUA members stood up against a multinational gas giant and won! Join your union at australianunions.org.au.wow The Albanese government has introduced laws to increase paid parental leave from 20 weeks to 26 weeks between now and 2026. Ben discusses why this isn't just good for new mothers but for all Australians. This week also saw the most important High Court judgement about state and federal tax powers in over 50 years as two EV owners managed to get a Victorian road user tax ruled unconstitutional and opened the door for billions in state revenues to be struck down. Ben discusses what might happen next and why we need to engage with the potential reforms that will emerge.
Weekend Wrap 15 October 2023: Voice referendum lost, misinformation campaigning and workplace reforms
Van Badham joins Ben Davison for this post referendum special edition of the Weekend Wrap. Our co-hosts look at what the results of the referendum tell us so far, why there is such sadness, how we can respond and what it might mean for the future. The rise of misinformation in the referendum is examined, how electoral politics and referendums are different, why we need to be kind and how we can reengage with solidarity. Send your message of solidarity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders at https://solidarityalways.ausunions.io/ Van and Ben discuss why this result means we can expect to see a rise in misinformation campaigning against workplace reforms as multi-national corporations will be trying to stop $9Billion going from their profit lines to workers wages. Join you union at australianunions.org.au/wow to make sure you are prepared to win the next struggle for jobs, fair wages and decent working conditions.
Episode 152: Republicans implode, referendum prepoll opens, rates on hold and good news about bears
Van Badham and Ben Davison take a deep dive into the murky waters of American politics as the Republican Party conspires to unseat one of its own from the role of Speaker. It is the first time in history that a Speaker of the House of Representatives has been deposed. Van breaks down why it has happened, what it means for American politics and the kind of markers we need to watch for in our own political system. Prepoll voting has opened around Australia for the referendum with recent polls showing that the YES case is making up ground. Van and Ben explore the misinformation campaign that has been largely imported from America, why it is getting traction and what we can do it break the grip of fear. Check out yes23.com.au for how you can get involved. With the new Reserve Bank Governor keeping interest rates on hold for another month Ben and Van discuss why the union movement's position of no involuntary unemployment and closing the loopholes to return $9 billion to working people in wages is so important. You can join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow And there is good news about Fat Bear Week! Van also gives a shout out to all our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who have made a contribution to the podcast at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday
Weekend Wrap 1 October 2023:the No misinformation campaign, disability royal commission report, Pezzullo and public service
Ben Davison looks at the established research which shows the NO campaign is leveraging misinformation and a global network of disinformation campaigners. In a shock admission Ben admits that he agrees with Phil Coorey and Chris Kenny that the No campaign has become a grab bag of grievances. The disability royal commission report has been handed down with 222 recommendations from over 10,000 submissions. Ben looks at how it intersects with the current NDIS review and why reform will take time but is urgently needed. Mike Pezzullo has stood aside while there is an investigation into his conduct by the public service commissioner. Ben discusses why there needs to be an investigation, who this man is and what influence he has been wielding over our lives. Ben also give a shout out to the leader of the Australian Union movement, Sally McManus, for her being named the 4th most powerful person in Australia. You can join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow
Episode 151: Dan departs as Allan ascends, a job for everyone who wants one, a referendum update and good news about kites
Van Badham and Ben Davison open by congratulating the workers who won their struggle with Inghams chicken, the artists in NSW who won restored funding and by sending international solidarity to the writers, screen actors and auto workers in the USA, who were joined on the picket line by Joe Biden. Making Biden the first ever sitting President to join a picket. You can win better pay, better conditions and better management by joining your union at australianunions.org.au/wow Dan Andrews departs politics as Labor's longest serving Victorian Premier. Ben and Van take a look at his legacy and the rise of his successor, Jacinta Allan, who is only the 2nd woman to lead Victoria. The Albanese government has released an employment white paper so Van and Ben take a look at how the Commonwealth Labor government will deliver "a job for everyone who wants one". There's some major policy changes to come. Van has written about disinformation in the Guardian and today her piece has been supported by academia, the Prime Minister and a growing understanding of the problem. Ben gives an update on Noel Pearson's Press Club address and the coming of pre-poll and postal ballots. And there is good news about kite power one of our listeners! Plus Van gives a shout out to all out Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who make a contribution to expanding our audience at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday
Weekend Wrap 24 September 2023: No rallies, price gouging inquiry, workers take action
Ben Davison RETURNS with his weekend wrap! Instead of breaking down Insiders he compares and contrasts the difference the Walk for YES last weekend and the far right rallies for NO this weekend. Ben also reads a message from a listener in Arnhem Land who is talking with local first nations people about the referendum. With less than three weeks until the referendum and a week until pre-poll Ben is urging people to get involved at yes23.com.au The Alan Fels price gouging inquiry kicked off this week as the true source of Australia's inflation problem becomes clear; profiteering. The ACTU backed inquiry has heard testimony from experts and people impacted about how prices have been artificially increased to pump up profits. At the same time workers are in week nine of their strike at EnerSys and workers have started a strike at Inghams where the company, which has enjoyed a 72% increase in profits, is denying workers a $1.50 pay rise. Join you union at australianunions.org.au/wow
Episode 150: Referendum disinformation, NSW budget, Victorian homes, worker rights and good news on seaweed
Van Badham and Ben Davison are BACK! Having, almost, recovered from their illnesses Van and Ben dissect the disinformation that is swamping the Voice referendum. They break down what the Voice is, why the disinformation is happening, where it is coming from and what we can all do to make sure it doesn't taint our democracy. The Labor government in NSW has handed down its first budget following a range of wins by workers in unions there are pay increases, more teachers, more healthcare and less outsourcing of the public sector. You can join your union, whatever state you live in, at australianunions.org.au/wow In Victoria a long term Labor government has announced a new massive policy on housing. Ben and Van look at what's in the package, how it shows the importance of long term Labor governments and contrast material realism politics with culture war politics. It has been a huge week for workers with the High Court decision finding Qantas illegally sacked 1,700 workers, the cross bench teaming up with the Coalition to delay the closing of loopholes bill until February and polling showing that every major measure to close loopholes has the support of a majority of Australian's of EVERY political persuasion. Plus Van, with her croaky voice, gives a shoutout to our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters, check out www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday to become a supporter!
Weekend Wrap 10 September: Pearson makes YES case on Insiders, Dutton delays billions in wages, unions win for workers
Ben Davison takes a look at Noel Pearson's Insiders interview and how he managed to cut through the misinformation, fear mongering and misdirection to remind Australia that the referendum is an opportunity to accept the hand of friendship by recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as our first people and embrace the opportunity of reconciliation by guaranteeing an advisory body. Nothing more, nothing less. The crossbench teamed up with Peter Dutton's Noalition to delay the closing loopholes laws which will cost workers, just in the gig economy, as much as $200,000,000. Ben breaks down what the laws are about, why they are important to workers and why big business is fighting so hard to stop them. Hint: It's got to do with who gets $9,000,000,000 Only unions are fighting for working people in this struggle and if you want your fair share you need to join, go to australianunions.org.au/wow The NSW Teachers Federation has won a landmark pay deal as the campaign to fix the under resourcing of 98% of our public schools continues. Check out foreverychild.au for more info The 1,700 workers unlawfully sacked by Qantas will have their fates decided in the High Court on Wednesday. Ben looks at how this could have implications for all workers. If you're able to help us promote the show to more people and spread the message beyond the ONE MILLION + downloads we already have check out www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday for ways to make a contribution.
Episode 149: Corporations fight secure work and better pay, Joyce leaves Qantas burning, economic growth and good news on solar glass
Van Badham and Ben Davison examine the government's bill to close the loopholes that are letting corporations take $9 billion from workers through forced casualisation, sham contracting, gig exploitation and legal chicanery. With $9 billion on the line corporations are fighting back with some of the weirdest and most easily disprovable lies imaginable. Van and Ben breakdown why the corporate bosses are investing millions in ads to attack the improvements for workers. Workers are fighting back to secure the pay that should be theirs by join their union at australianunions.org.au/wow and getting involved in the campaign to win over the cross bench. Alan Joyce is no longer CEO of Qantas! As of today a new CEO has started and inherited an airline that is, in a strategic sense, on fire. With law suits from workers, consumers and the government, a potential senate inquiry, an ageing fleet and a brand so damaged it is less trusted than its wholly owned budget version the Qantas story is in heavy turbulence. The latest GDP growth figures have been released so Ben and Van put them into the context of Australia's overall economic situation and are pleased to find Australia has grown more than five of the G7 countries. Plus there is good news about solar glass! And Van gives a shout out to all of our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who have gone to www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday
Weekend Wrap 3 September 2023: New rights for casuals, gig and labour hire workers, Qantas profiting from failure and you are the Voice
Ben Davison dives into the detail of the new workplace reforms that will give more rights to everyday working people who are casuals, gig workers or engaged as labour hire by setting some minimum standards. Tony Burke went on Insiders to explain how the new approach will work and David Speers still hasn't wrapped his mind around the idea that Labor is governing from a people first perspective as opposed to a corporate first approach. Qantas, the company that has unlawfully sacked workers, abused the labour hire system and given huge payouts to executives while taking massive taxpayer handouts is now under investigation for selling 8,000 flights that never existed. Ben looks at why this might be the latest, and last, opportunity to bring the flying Kangaroo back into the hands of our Commonwealth. You're the Voice, try to understand it. Those immortal words from John Farnham will grace a new YES campaign ad just as Peter Dutton launch his own latest effort to muddy the waters around the referendum.
Episode 148: The referendum is October 14, misogyny tars football and infects young men, inflation slows and good news about wind
Van Badham and Ben Davison discuss the official announcement of the Voice referendum date, October 14th, while taking a look at the campaigns, the messages and why Albo's message of hope has gained the support of such a broad cross section of Australia. The union movement is campaigning for YES and you can get involved with your union at australianunions.org.au/wow and the campaign at yes23.com.au A listener wrote in with a question about Andrew Tate's influence over young men so Van and Ben discuss how the toxic individualism of Tate is evident in the behaviour of the Spanish Football President and how the benefits of collectivism, community and team work are present in everyday life and in the response from the broader football world. Inflation is at its lowest point in 17 months. Ben and Van discuss the impact this might have on the referendum, what it tells us about economics and why the mystics who demand working people pay to keep inflation low have been proven wrong. There is also good news about wind powered shipping! If you'd like to become a supporter and send through questions check out our supporter page at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday where you can become an extend the reach or cadre supporter and have Van give you a shout out every episode!
Weekend Wrap 27 August 2023: Insiders review, intergeneration report and Dutton attacks democracy
Ben Davison is BACK from a week off with the latest Weekend Wrap. Insiders discussed productivity, taxes, industrial relations and education with most of the debates missing the point. Ben breaks down how the points raised on Insiders show we need full funding for public schools, Qantas demonstrates the need for both workplace reforms and a focus on capital productivity and that if we want more skilled migrants following the lead of Belize and Somalia probably isn't the solution. The union movement is working for better job security, higher wages and safer workplaces for all so join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow The intergenerational report shows a changing Australia will continue to change but that there are some clear policy priorities around workforce participation, supporting superannuation and accepting higher levels of debt (which will still be lower than most countries have now) if we want to have the standard of living we have now. Finally Ben discusses Dutton's latest attack on democracy. The sad swipe on behalf of the No case against the Australia Electoral Commission. Dutton continues to show himself to be either ignorant or lazy when it comes to doing the job of opposition leader.
Episode 147: Naplan shows need for school funding, CPAC goes full racist, ACTU report a rip off wins government taskforce and good news about micro plastics
Van Badham and Ben Davison take a look at how the release of NAPLAN results highlights the need for our public schools to get the MINIMUM FUNDING that 98% of them are currently being denied. The Australia Education Union is running a campaign at foreverychild.au calling for every public school to get the funds they need for every child to get the education they deserve. The American CPAC event was held in Sydney last weekend and Van Badham gives a breakdown of how this piece of American cultural-political imperialism is used as a front for hatred, division and racism. Van and Ben discuss how "identity death" is driving these events, just how few people actually participate and compare it to the grassroots movement of people supporting the YES campaign. You can get active in making Australia a better place with your union by joining at australianunions.org.au/wow The recent ACTU Price Gouging Inquiry was given a boost today as the federal government announced its own taskforce into competition. The announcement comes as the two major supermarkets announce massive increases in margins and almost double digit increases in their dividend to investors. Ben and Van discuss how weak competition impacts working people through prices and undermines wages. There is good news about micro plastics, sawdust and tea! As we have crashed through the 1,000,000 downloads we take the time to give shout outs to our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who have gone to www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday to help us grow our audience.
Episode 146: Matildas mania, Trumps troubles, new deal on housing as wages reset plus wind in Wollongong
Van Badham and Ben Davison are all in with the Matildas, Till its done, so take a look at the cultural phenomena that has become the Australian Women's Football team, what it means for sport, our society and why their unionism is an inspiration for so many others to stand up for what's right. Join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow While Australia is having a sport led cultural moment the United States is again mired in the muck of its political system and the disgrace that is Donald Trump. Van breaks down, in detail, the new racketeering charges that could be what finally puts Donald Trump behind bars. Van and Ben also look at how the disconnect from truth and political convenience is playing out. Back home the National Cabinet has announced a new deal on housing which sees billions of dollars flow into improving supply of housing, reform planning rules and regulate rental markets. Ben discusses how this step forward, coupled with the recent good news on wages, shows how an interventionist economic policy can work, given time. There is good news about offshore wind in Wollongong Plus this episode will see us breakthrough the 1,000,000 download mark! So Van gives a special shout goes to our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who have gone to www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday to help grow our audience.
Weekend Wrap 13 August 2023: Littleproud on Insiders exposes how much Coalition policy is driven by lobbyists
Ben Davison, voice croaky from celebrating the Matildas win, breaks down why the leader of the Nationals, and senior member of the Coalition, would go on Insiders and advocate for the most expensive, least safe, unproven energy technologies and for increasing the cost of medicines. The answer is the same reason why he, Peter Dutton and the Coalition oppose The Voice and Unions. Lobbyists. From mining and energy to pharmaceuticals, post offices and private education the Coalition is captured by lobbyists. Their policies reflect the interests of lobby groups and corporate lobbyists. Democratic groups with democratic mandates, like the Voice and Unions, threaten to make democracy a participation sport instead of the pay to play game that the Coalition like to play. If you want democracy to be more than just casting a ballot on election day join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow and get involved in the Yes campaign, the price gouging inquiry or a local campaign like the one to Save Glenroy post office
Episode 145: Matildas and billion dollar Barbie recasting the role of girls, ACTU price gauging inquiry, Dutton diverted community safety funds and good news about Quolls
Van Badham and Ben Davison discuss how the on and off-field success of The Matildas are making us rethink traditional limitations about the role of girls and how they behave. Van and Ben discuss how the unionisation and professionalisation of the game is providing inspiration while at the same time the success of the billion dollar Barbie Movie is unifying women through a shared experience. You can be like the Matildas and Barbie star Margot Robbie by joining you union at australianunions.org.au/wow The Australian Council of Trade Unions has launched a price gauging inquiry, chaired by former ACCC Commissioner Alan Fels. Ben and Van discuss price gauging in Australia, how it is being executed and why it needs to be stamped out to improve the living standards of everyday people. You can make a submission to the inquiry at https://pricegouginginquiry.actu.org.au Peter Dutton has been found to have diverted community safety grants away from disadvantaged communities towards Coalition and must win seats prior to the last election. Coming on the back of the recent "Home Truths" expose which detailed mismanagement, or worse, in the Department of Home Affairs under Dutton, Van and Ben discuss why Dutton is unfit to lead Australia. The good news is about Quolls! Van also gives a shout out to all our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who have gone to www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday and helped us grow our audience.
SPECIAL Weekend Wrap: Dutton’s Garma dishonesty, parliament wrap , bosses bemoan worker rights, teachers and truck drivers take a stand
Van Badham joins Ben Davison for an extended Weekend Wrap to look at Dutton's dishonesty about Garma being exposed on Insiders, the bosses pamphlet (Australia Financial Review) confirming the Noalition views the referendum as a political opportunity to hurt Labor and why it is so important people get involved in their local YES campaign and join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow as your union takes action for the referendum. There's also a look at the policy action from parliament this week with family and domestic violence leave becoming avaliable to employees in small businesses, the Noalition opposing increases to Jobseeker which Labor was able to push through and the Housing Affordability Future Fund making it's return to the parliament. If the Greens team up with the Noalition again to block it the government will have a trigger for a double dissolution. Ben and Van discuss what that could mean. Innes Willox, CEO of the Australian Industry Group, gave a national press club speech this week which could just as easily have been given in 2013. The usual justifications for corporate greed were rolled out so Van and Ben explore what's really happened with productivity, wages and profits. Hint: Corporate executives are not an oppressed class. We take a special look at two big campaigns to improve our Commonwealth. The www.foreverychild.au campaign of the Australia Education Union which is trying to close the funding gap that currently sees 98% of public schools not get MINIMUM funding and the Transport reform campaign from the Transport Workers Union that is trying to make our roads safer and our supply chains more sustainable. Don't forget to go to our supporter page www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday to catch up on past episodes and help us reach and even larger audience by making a contribution.
Van Badham in conversation with Miles Taylor, former Trump National Security Advisor and author of Blowback
Welcome to our first “The Week On Wednesday presents Van Badham in Conversation With…”. And it is A CORKER. Miles Taylor is a former national security adviser to the Trump administration - yes, you read that correctly, and he is absolutely a guest on our show. In 2018, as “Anonymous”, Taylor published an infamous op-ed in the New York Times entitled "I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration" that shone a terrifying light on the chaos and dysfunction of Trumpism in power, and the danger it posed to the world. Taylor quit the administration and expanded on his insights about America’s dangerous political turn in his 2019 book, A Warning. By 2020, he’d revealed his identity - and became the first former Trump administration official to endorse Joe Biden for President. His latest book, Blowback, tells the personal story of what Miles Taylor saw in the Trump White House - and what he did about it. In an alternative universe where Trump wasn’t elected in 2016, Miles Taylor and the Week on Wednesday are faceless opposing combatants in democracy’s endless ideological war over macroeconomic policy and the frontiers of regulating markets. … But in the fight against the hard right, populist authoritarianism that’s resurgent across the west, we are enthusiastic and committed allies. It’s a great conversation and you should totally read his book.
Weekend Wrap 30 July 2023: Education, economic management, workplace reforms, housing, The Voice
Ben Davison is BACK after a two week break with a deep dive on the FIVE big issues that should be dominating the national debate. 98% of our public schools don't have the resources they need. Ben reads out a message from a listener about how the failure to support every child has left class sizes too big, teachers overworked and kids missing out on the support they need. Inflation is coming down. The spokesperson from the bosses pamphlet on Insiders continued to recite the neo-liberal mantras of higher rates, more unemployment and lower wages but Ben outlines how Jim Chalmers and Labor are implementing a neo-Keynesian approach that is bringing down prices, keeping people in work and supporting those most in need. Workplace reforms are coming to parliament to stop the multi-billion dollar loopholes that see labour hire workers paid less, forced casualisation of millions of people and profiteering at working people's expense. There's a union for every worker, casual, labour hire, teacher, miner, nurse, graphic designer and you can join at australianunions.org.au/wow The Housing Affordability Future Fund is coming back. With $1,300,000 a day NOT going into housing because of the Greens back Dutton's Noalition Labor is ready to set up a double dissolution trigger. The Voice. Greg Sheridan can go on Insiders to say that Dutton isn't racists if the referendum fails but if all the racists are voting NO does it matter if he considers himself to be racist? Ben argues you pick a side. No has Pauline Hanson and Andrew Bolt. Yes has Marcia Langton and Noel Pearson. Which side are you on? Plus Ben touches on why the noise around the Rockingham by-election is meaningless Liberal narrative and why Dutton's abysmal record on government contracts is best left to the National Anti-Corruption Commission to determine.