The SUWA Show - Squatters and Unwaged Workers Airwaves

Featuring former Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, in the hot seat at the Robodebt Royal Commission. The Robodebt scandal was appalling enough by legal and ethical standards. The questioning by the Senior Counsel assisting the Royal Commission of Mr. Morrison, seemed to be aimed at determining:    • how did something which is unlawful, get implemented?    • why did the need for legislative change disappear from the briefings?    • and why did Mr. Morrison see no reason to question this?But what are we to make of the Robodebt scheme from an economic perspective? What are we to make of Scott Morrison's testimony in light of what we know about "taxpayer money"?Centrelink / Services Australia continue to chase debts. For help dealing with a debt you have received, contact your local legal centre from this list: https://www.ejaustralia.org.au/legal-help-centrelink/

De-growth, de-carbonise, well-being, inclusion, a healthy environment. Yes, we can have an economy that is sustainable, and that includes everyone -- via full employment.MMT-informed ecological economist, Professor Phil Lawn explains how this is possible. We can harness the many wonders of the Job Guarantee (which featured recently in a Boyer lecture given by Indigenous lawyer and activist, Noel Pearson.) We can include everyone in the economy, but we wont be using a "Universal Basic Income". And watch out Gina, Kev the Commie is coming after your wealth!Creditshttps://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/boyerlectures/the-first-game-changer/14104270The First Game Changer: A Job Guarantee For The Bottom MillionNoel Pearson giving his Third Boyer Lecture on ABC's Radio National, 18 Nov 2022Noel Pearson: "Only those accustomed to the opportunity of work can afford the luxury of the idea that work is not foundational to the well-being of all humans."https://freesound.org/s/45399/Auction Sounds by alphahogThis work is licensed under the Attribution 3.0 License.https://orangefreesounds.com/cartoon-snoring/Permitted for non-commercial use under license “Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)” 

MMT-informed ecological economist Professor Phil Lawn says "Growth is killing the planet". What exactly is growing? Can we have good growth and bad growth? And dare we raise the issue of population growth? Phil tells us about the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), which brings with it some good news, and we reflect on why no-one is talking about it. (Although after we recorded our conversation, the Labor government did announce it intends to "Measure What Matters".) Creditseating the scenery B.wav by cetsoundcrewhttps://freesound.org/people/cetsoundcrew/sounds/397723/This work is licensed under the Attribution 4.0 License.The following sound effects are permitted for non-commercial use under license “Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)”https://orangefreesounds.com/magic-logo/https://orangefreesounds.com/magic-transition/https://orangefreesounds.com/tension-ambience/https://orangefreesounds.com/rising-swoosh-into-explosion-sound-effect/https://orangefreesounds.com/distant-explosion-sound-effect/https://freesound.org/people/janbezouska/sounds/387415/https://freesound.org/people/Timbre/sounds/223528/https://freesound.org/people/barrypirro/sounds/530575/    https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Where_the_Moon_Came_From/Psychedelic Saturdayby Where the Moon Came FromAttribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United States (CC BY-NC 3.0 US)https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Andrew_Howes/Condoby Andrew HowesAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)Theme music:One in Ten by UB40St. Germain by Alice Ivy 

How about a budget analysis without a 'Spurt in sight?Yes we had a federal budget this week. And yes it was in the context of recalibrating a budget that was formulated by the opposition just before it lost the election. So this is the budget that gives the new government its baseline; a budget to match its immediate policy changes. Anne and Kev do their due diligence with MMT-advocate Avis Williamson, to look at what this budget says about the Labor government's policies.We also ask, what is an advocate of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) to think, when a review of Australia's central bank assumes the bank's failure to manage inflation has something to do with the RBA's personnel, rather than the defunct economic theories that presume a central bank has the capacity to fine tune inflation.Anyone can make a submission to the review of the RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia). They might need to hear that it is ok for them to abandon the discredited neoclassical, neo-Keynesian economic theories about monetary policy, and embrace theories that would actually enable them to contribute to the wellbeing of Australians. CreditsTheme music:One in Ten by UB40St. Germain by Alice Ivy

What is an advocate of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) to think when some Marxists accuse MMT of being not much of a theory, and MMT-ers as bourgeois apologists for capital? Does MMT naively advocate printing money? Do we believe we can print our way out of economic and ecological crises?Can we flush out the irreconcilable differences between Karl Marx and MMT?With the help of economist, Dr. James Juniper, we check our theoretical tyres for punctures. CreditsTheme music:One in Ten by UB40St. Germain by Alice IvyMusicThe Reds Under the Bed Activist Cabaret

Why are interest rates going up? Why is inflation going up? Why is it that every time you ask a question about economics you uncover yet another swindle?By the end of this second half of our conversation with Wayne McMillan, you will know more than many past and present federal treasurers about how to run a national economy. Spoiler: it doesn't include blaming wage earners for this latest bout of inflation. CreditsReserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe warns it is unclear how high interest rates will goABC News (Australia), 7.30, June 14, 2022IN FULL: Treasurer Jim Chalmers on the interest rate decision and RBA announcement, ABC News (Australia), June 7, 2022IN FULL: Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaks about the economy, ABC News (Australia), Press Conference on July 18, 2022Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz on 7.30 with Sarah Ferguson, July 6, 2022Theme music:One in Ten by UB40St. Germain by Alice Ivyhttps://orangefreesounds.com/quiz-show-background-music-loop/The song is permitted for non-commercial use under license “Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)”https://orangefreesounds.com/The sound effects permitted for commercial use under license Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Past and present federal treasurers voluntarily shackle themselves in the imaginary debt dungeon. We'd be happy to let them rot there, except they force the rest of us to suffer the real consequences of their flagellating fantasies. And so the current Australian Labor government refuses to spend enough to create the jobs that would lift all people out of poverty.How shall we free ourselves? Perhaps we could follow the example of lifelong "student" of economics, Wayne McMillan, who recounts his  journey through the thickets of mainstream (orthodox) to a more enlightened (heterodox) understanding of the economy.Show NotesModern Monetary Theory: Snake Oil or Showing how to Fund a Good Society?An Evening with Wayne McMillan, Economic Reform Australia, and Frank Stilwell, Political Economy, University of SydneyOct 19, 2021Radical economics: The Political Economy dispute at Sydney Universityby ABC RN, 1 Sep 2013 CreditsTheme music:One in Ten by UB40St. Germain by Alice Ivyhttps://orangefreesounds.com/quiz-show-background-music-loop/The song is permitted for non-commercial use under license “Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)”https://freesound.org/people/snaginneb/sounds/120591/This work is licensed under the Attribution 3.0 License.https://orangefreesounds.com/whip-sound-effect/The sound effect is permitted for commercial use under license Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

We've proven it! Beyond a shadow of a doubt. The current "employment services" system is "mean", "horrible" and "hostile" for no legitimate reason.We speak with Associate Professor Elise Klein, about how the previous conservative Coalition government in Australia ran a "natural experiment." Brought on by the covid pandemic, the results of what would otherwise have been an unethical trial, show that people relying on social security benefits are suffering needlessly.The temporary increase in unemployment benefits reduced poverty to almost zero, and proved the government can afford to make these payments. The temporary suspension of mutual obligations proved unemployed workers do not need to be subjected to the sadistic regime of "mutual obligations" in order to make valuable contributions to their families, community and society.Why is the current Labor government okay with the continued abuse of unemployed workers? Maybe you should contact employment minister Tony Burke, and ask him.The Hon, Tony Burke, MPMinister for Employment and Workplace RelationsTony.Burke.MP@aph.gov.auDear Minister, ...Perhaps Tony Burke could speak with his colleague Andrew Charlton, federal Labor MP in the seat of Parramatta, who in November 2021 said, "If you raise the unemployment benefit... you will lift an enormous number of people out of poverty... it's very hard to understand why that wouldn't be a big priority".MusicTheme music:One in Ten by UB40St. Germain by Alice Ivy

Are we "stumbling zombie-like into a digital dystopia"?From the frontlines of a NON-full employment economy, we speak with Dr. Simone Casey on her observations of Workforce Australia.Heterodox economists often say, there is no such thing as a "natural" or "free" market. All markets need government regulation in order to exist. Case in point: the privatised "employment services" market. This market requires both government regulation, and government money, in order to exist.This market is going through a shake-up via new regulation -- a new contract -- transforming the market from "jobactive" to "Workforce Australia". But is this "market shake-up" going to help unemployed workers find meaningful, secure, decent work? Or will it merely refine the government's surveillance and punishment of people receiving unemployment benefits?Show NotesTo contact ACOSS policy officer, Dr. Simone Casey, with your stories about Workforce Australia,email Simone at simone@acoss.org.auPoints-based Activation in Workforce Australia – ACOSS FAQMutual obligations and the New Employment Services model (NESM) - ACOSS briefingPoints Based Activation SystemIntroduction to the Points Based Activation System for Workforce AustraliaExplainer - Workforce Australia and Points Based Activation System (PBAS)GetUp! petition to employment service minister Tony BurkeAustralian Unemployed Workers' Union (AUWU)Mutual Obligation: Independent job seeker Satisfaction SurveyDr Simone Casey, January 2020MusicTheme music:One in Ten by UB40St. Germain by Alice IvyKelli's Number by U.S. Army Blues is licensed under a Public Domain Mark 1.0 License.http://freemusicarchive.org/music/US_Army_Blues/Live_At_Blues_Alley/0_-_08_-_The_US_Army_Blues_-_Kellis_Number

Why bother with economics? Why bother with Modern Monetary Theory (MMT)? After-all, the government can still govern without bothering about MMT.Anne & Kev make the case we need MMT to unshackle our minds from many false beliefs about the possibilities available to our new federal government. We find much to look forward to with a government that spends properly. We can prevent ourselves from becoming accidental neoliberals!Anne & Kev bounce their ideas off a webinar featuring Richard Denniss (Chief economist and former Executive Director of the Australia Institute) as hosted by the New Economy Network Australia (NENA).Show NotesNENA's 2022 Federal Budget Rundown - with Richard DennissApr 6, 2022The Deficit Myth with Stephanie Keltonin conversation with Richard Denniss, Chief economist and former Executive Director of the Australia InstituteJune 18, 2020CreditsThen leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott,speaking with host Fran Kelly on ABC's RN Breakfast, back in February 2010.MusicTheme music:One in Ten by UB40Additional music:Swinging Sofas (ID 272) - Remastered by Lobo Loco is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.Kelli's Number by U.S. Army Blues is licensed under a Public Domain Mark 1.0 License.Gregorian Chant by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 LicenseQuiz Show Background Music Loop with changesby Alexander BluThe song is permitted for non-commercial use under license “Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)” 

What if disposing of 17 tonnes of dead fish was part of your day job? We speak with Greens party candidate Suzette Rodoreda about what is motivating her to run for election in Melbourne's west.Kevin enlightens us on voting strategies for the connoisseur of Australia's preferential voting system in which voters can rank Senate and House of Representatives candidates in order of preference.Creditshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVnf_wXs1ucThen leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott,speaking with host Fran Kelly on ABC's RN Breakfast, back in February 2010.Music:One in Ten by UB40Quiz Show Background Music Loop with changesby Alexander Bluhttps://orangefreesounds.com/quiz-show-background-music-loop/The song is permitted for non-commercial use under license “Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)” 

What if you wanted to do something, but you didn't ever spell out quite what it is you want to achieve, and you didn't put any time or energy into doing it, and you didn't reflect on your progress towards achieving it, and you never agreed to commit to it? What do you suppose would be your chances of getting it done?That's pretty much how Australia's laws are going about protecting our native plants and animals.Australia has the highest species extinction rates in the world. Depressing? Yes. Can we do something about it? Yes.Anne & Kev speak with Carmel Killin about what we can do and what her community of over 200 artists have achieved already. Show notesLong Live the Species - see the artLong Live the Species - go to the exhibitionANU College of Law seminar on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) by Dr Peter Burnettfind your representativeall about federal appropriation bills CreditsTheme music:One in Ten by UB40Sound effects:https://freesound.org/people/kangaroovindaloo/sounds/202572/Sofia's Dawn Chorus, in Fryers Forest, by kangaroovindaloohttps://freesound.org/people/Kinoton/sounds/494071/Big Tree Fall in Forest by Kinotonhttps://freesound.org/people/RutgerMuller/sounds/535352/Tree Chainsawed Drops.m4a by RutgerMullerhttps://freesound.org/people/deleted_user_2304/sounds/2871/dozer sample.wav by deleted_user_2304https://freesound.org/people/Nuclearboy/sounds/568877/Self Destruct/Alpha-11 Warhead Explosion by NuclearboyAll of the above sound effects licensed under the Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 

What keeps someone working ten hours a day, in a field, under the hot sun, for as little as $3 an hour? While putting up with verbal and physical abuse? And sleeping at night in an uninsulated shipping container? And how can this be happening in present-day Australia?The answer is well known, well studied, and Australia walked into it with our eyes wide open.The answer is what we call, The Seven Circles of Temporary Migrant Worker Hell, and what researchers call the descent into a "guest worker state".In this second of a two-part show, Shane Roulstone, National Organising Director with the Australian Workers' Union (AWU), Dr Chris Wright, Associate Professor at the University of Sydney Business School, and Sherry Huang with the Migrant Workers Centre, explain how we got here, how it could get worse, and what we can do about it.Part 1 of our investigation into the use and abuse of temporary migrant workers, can be found here:https://www.3cr.org.au/suwa/episode/uwfb-seven-circles-temporary-migrant-worker-hell-part-1 Show notesA guest-worker state? The declining power and agency of migrant labour in AustraliaChris F Wright, Stephen Clibbornhttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1035304619897670Australian Workers' Union (AWU)Migrant Workers CentreCreditsTheme music:One in Ten by UB40Music:Hall of the Mountain King by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200072Artist: http://incompetech.com/Gavotte En Roundeau 4th Lute SuiteExzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/orangefreesounds.comSound effects permitted for non-commercial use under license“Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)”https://www.3cr.org.au/suwa/episode/uwfb-seven-circles-temporary-migrant-worker-hell-part-2

What's worse than not having a job? Try working in slave-like conditions.Uncovering the lie that unemployed Australians are “too lazy to pick fruit” exposes the use and abuse of temporary migrant workers.In this first of a two-part show, we hear eye-opening stories from Kate, Sherry and Tex. Kate has been picking fruit and vegetables for about three years now. Kate trained as a computer engineer in her native Taiwan. With a background in sociology, Sherry Huang came to Australia as a backpacker, and now works at the Migrant Workers' Centre. We also return to a conversation Kevin had back in December 2020, with his mate and gun-picker, Tex Stone.Reports and rumours going back to the early 2000s consistently warn that the vast majority of horticultural workers earn less than the minimum casual rate, some as little as $3 per hour. This is so widespread some commentators describe wage theft as a business model.CONTENT WARNING: Mention of sexual harassment between 32:30-35:00 Show NotesMigrant Workers' Centre88 Days A Slave - documentary projectTowards a durable future: tackling labour challenges in the Australian horticulture industry by Joanna Howe, Stephen Clibborn, Alexander Reilly, Diane van den Broek & Chris F Wrighthttps://www.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/business-school/research/work-and-organisational-studies/towards-a-durable-future-report.pdfCreditsTheme music:One in Ten by UB40Music:Hall of the Mountain King by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200072Artist: http://incompetech.com/Gavotte En Roundeau 4th Lute SuiteExzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/orangefreesounds.comSound effects permitted for non-commercial use under license“Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)”

What kind of politician would want to give everyone a job? A Job Guarantee is an economic game changer. It would provide jobs to the few who otherwise get left behind, and it would stabilise the economy for everyone.Anne & Kev chat with Andrew Johnson, a candidate with the Reason Australia Party, running in this upcoming election for the federal seat of Higgins in Melbourne's northeast. Andrew is a swimming instructor who knows more about the economy than many economists, thanks to his exposure to Modern Monetary Theory (MMT).Anne & Kev also discover the endless enjoyment to be had, when neoliberal economics is expressed in our institutions. The recent flooding disaster has put the spotlight back on Australia's "Future Funds". Are these funds, good economic management, or a bizarre phenomenon in the neoliberal theatre of the absurd? Show Notes11:25 Andrew Johnson: candidate for the Reason Australia PartyHere's where Andrew Johnson has put his film and TV production skills to good use:PEGS Institutehttps://www.facebook.com/PEGSInstitute The Future Fund scandal by economist Bill Mitchell"no matter how sophisticated we aspire to be as a society, we are really in the hands of witchdoctors and shamans who circle us with mantras and spells and leave us feeling as though the ship is being run by those who know something that we do not" CreditsTheme music:One in Ten by UB40orangefreesounds.comSound effects permitted for non-commercial use under license“Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)” 

Taking their cue from a blogpost by Professor Bill Mitchell, Anne & Kev dig into the current debate over wage rises and inflation.Then, Anne speaks with Darren Quinn, who came to macroeconomics as a lay person, and has spent many years on social media educating Australians about how their economy works. Anne & Darren chat about the misunderstandings that often arise for people who are new to Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). Refine your grasp on economics, and find out why you might be mistaken to think:Since the federal government has no fiscal constraints, we should just "print money".Taxing prevents inflation, so we can just start taxing if we see inflation taking off.MMT shows that currency is a coercive institution, so we should get rid of money altogether.MMT is just Keyensian economics with a job guarantee.And the meme about inflation (that probably wont take off): It's not the money, honey. It's the supplies, guys. Show NotesBill's blogpost:Australia – workers endure on-going real wage cuts as corporate profits soarhttp://bilbo.economicoutlook.net/blog/?p=49302Websites Darren mentioned:Modern Money – Macroeconomics by Darren Quinnhttps://modernmoney.wordpress.com/Bill Mitchell - Modern Monetary Theoryhttp://bilbo.economicoutlook.net/blog/Real Progressiveshttps://realprogressives.org/Modern Money Network (MMN)https://modernmoneynetwork.org/Modern Money Network (MMN) Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/ModernMoneyNetwork/videosCreditsTheme music:One in Ten by UB40orangefreesounds.comSound effects permitted for non-commercial use under license“Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)” 

What kind of politician would want to give every adult $100,000? From employment to housing to banking, Anne & Kev chat with Steve Keen about the sort of policies a progressive economist turned political candidate, might want to implement.Heterodox professor of economics, Steve Keen, recently made waves when he announced he will be running as a senate candidate with TNL party in the next federal election. Steve is an outspoken critic of mainstream economics, with his 2001, 2011 book, "Debunking Economics" and recent "The New Economics: A Manifesto".Show notesSteve Keen, crowd-funded economisthttps://www.patreon.com/ProfSteveKeenSteve Keen's own podcasthttps://debunking.podbean.com/More about TNLhttps://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/mainstream-media-no-friend-to-the-new-liberals,15564CreditsTheme music:One in Ten by UB40When Aliens Come Down from Marsby The Whizzieshttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Whizzies/The_Whizzies/kzz016_-_the_whizzies_-_07_-_when_aliens_come_down_from_marsorangefreesounds.comSound effects permitted for non-commercial use under license“Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)” 

Returning to the events of Anti-Poverty Week, Anne & Kev dissect a rare moment of neo-Liberal honesty. This was an article published on Oct 19, 2021, in the Australian Financial Review, written by regular columnist, Pru Goward. We look at how the anti-lockdown protests flushed out some classist attitudes not usually so boldly on display.Show notesWhy you shouldn't underestimate the underclass by Pru GowardCreditsTheme music:One in Ten by UB40

On this Friday of Anti-Poverty Week, Anne & Kev chat with Daniel Levy from the Australian Unemployed Workers' Union (AUWU). We catch up on AUWU activities pre- and during the covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. We discuss organising amongst the unemployed, and how the pandemic impacts the most vulnerable workers. And never lose sight of the big picture: that the federal government contributes to poverty by choosing to have unemployment, and by choosing to pay unemployed people half the poverty rate. Like Rachel's tea towel says... "Poverty is a Political Choice". Show noteshttps://unemployedworkersunion.com/canberra [at] auwu.org.au - to get involved in Canberra based actionsValedictory speech by Rachel Siewerthttps://greens.org.au/magazine/farewell-rachel-siewert CreditsTheme music:One in Ten by UB40orangefreesounds.comSound effects permitted for non-commercial use under license“Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)”

What could be more empowering than Modern Monetary Theory (MMT)? Try mixing MMT with ecological economics. Together, they give us the tools to turn the threat of ecological collapse into the "no brainer" choice between more well-being, or suicide. Combined, MMT and ecological economics equip us to deal with the "mega-problem" of which the climate crisis is only one part.We speak with journalist and editor of Sustainability and the New Economics, Stephen Williams, about the ideas that could change your life.Featuring Professor Philip Lawn.Show notesSustainability and the New Economics: Synthesising Ecological Economics and Modern Monetary Theoryeditors: Stephen Williams, Rod Taylorhttps://www.springerprofessional.de/en/sustainability-and-the-new-economics/19946560But Victor, how will you pay for it?webinar hosted by Modern Money AustraliaWednesday 6 October 2021 7:30 PMhttps://modernmoneyaustralia.org/webinar-6-oct-2021-victor-kline/Rethinking Capitalismhosted by: Sustainable Prosperity Action Grouphttps://sustainable-prosperity.net.au/summer-school/Australian Youth Climate Coalitionhttps://www.aycc.org.au/melbourneSchool Strike 4 Climate Australiahttps://www.schoolstrike4climate.com CreditsTheme music:St. Germain by Alice IvyOne in Ten by UB40orangefreesounds.comSound effects permitted for non-commercial use under license“Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)”Waitingby EdoySong permitted for non-commercial use under license“Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)” 

This episode Anne & Kev dissect Barnaby Joyce's economic understanding only to discover he may think baby cows come from cabbage patches. We also interview Victor & Jonathon from the newly formed political party - The New Liberals. Don't be fooled by the name, which they argue has been totally perverted by the current government. This new, progressive party has a firm understanding of the how the economy really functions, and how it could completely revolutionise our social obligations if managed properly.

Back in 2007, the vast majority of economists did NOT see the two-trillion-dollar global financial crisis (GFC) coming. What was going on with their economic modelling? Is an economic model only as good as your ideology? What can we reasonably ask of an economist and their economic model? And if the economy is inherently unpredictable, what is the point of an economic model?Dr. Adam Kaczynski is our guide through this thorny thicket. After a detour through Polish central planning we emerge into the sunlight of emergent phenomena.orangefreesounds.comSound effects permitted for non-commercial use under license“Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)”Goblin's Dreamby Augustin Chttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Augustin_C/Fantasy_Music/Goblins_DreamSong permitted for non-commercial use under license“Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)”Theme music:St. Germain by Alice IvyOne in Ten by UB40 

Anne & Kev discuss the neoliberal origins of the libertarian freedom marchers, answer queries from listener Eric about inflation and discuss the pros and cons of the Universal Basic Income (UBI) vs the Job Guarantee (JG) from an MMT perspective.

Following the lead of Queensland LNP Senator Gerard Rennick, Anne & Kev poke around in the stinking rotten carcass of superannuation. They chase away the flies with some fresh economic thinking from heterodox economist and past senate candidate Dr. Cameron Murray.The federal government is well aware that half all Australians think the Age Pension wont be there when they retire. But has the government swallowed their own propaganda about retirement incomes and superannuation?Show NotesFind more of Dr. Cameron Murray's work atFresh Economic Thinkinghttps://www.fresheconomicthinking.comDr. Cameron Murray's book, Game of Mates, is on the reading list for a two-day seminar in MelbourneRethinking Capitalismhttps://sustainable-prosperity.net.au/summer-school/Dr. Steven Hail, articlePrivate super: Paul Keating's innocent fraudhttps://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/private-super-paul-keatings-innocent-fraud,10086Recent article detailing tax concessionshttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-19/wealthy-australians-exploiting-superannuation-tax-loophole/100303336"somewhere out there, at least one individual, couple or family has managed to squirrel away more than half a billion dollars for their retirement"Credits16 June 2021LNP Senator Gerard Rennick, Qldsuperannuation speechhttps://parlview.aph.gov.au/mediaPlayer.php?videoID=54552522:35:13Wild West by ZitronSound http://bit.ly/2nXGy9WPromoted by MrSnooze https://youtu.be/wTm-WFM0v-gCreative Commons — CC BY-ND 3.0 https://goo.gl/QHshNaMoonshine Town by JR TundraCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109Theme music:St. Germain by Alice IvyOne in Ten by UB40 

The main constraint on Government spending isn't debt. It's inflation. So what happens if we build public housing and pay aged care workers properly?

We are much obliged to the fast-talking and fast-thinking Luke McGregor, actor and writer on the highly acclaimed comedy, Rosehaven, and comedian well-known on the stand-up circuit. What was Luke about to say when Barnaby Joyce interrupted him on ABC's panel show Q+A? Luke reveals all. Meanwhile economist Riccardo Welters suggests the government might have a "mutual obligation" towards unemployed workers, if it insists on not providing enough good jobs for everyone who wants one.Show NotesMMT and the media: Taking Charge of the Narrative, an online conversation with Luke McGregor and Bill Mitchell, register here or hereLukenomics segment, 'Will Australia Ever Run Out of Money?' on Charlie Pickering's The WeeklyLuke McGregor's appearance on ABC's Q&A program, especially around minute 45:00'New finding: jobseekers subject to obligations take longer to find work', article in The Conversation by Ruud Gerards, and Riccardo WeltersAUWU's campaign on the new social security legislation, search for it on Twitter and Facebook: #RejectTheMOsBill Theme music credit: St. Germain by Alice Ivy 

Back in the 1970s Milton Friedman introduced a crazy theory on how to run the economy called neoliberalism, and the whole world bought it! Now Kevin is introducing his own crazy but opposite theory. Why did Bill Mitchell go "hmmm" and what could possibly go wrong?!!

When a central bank governor describes how money is created on computer keyboards, you might wonder why the Australian government needs to sell bonds to fund its spending. Avis Williamson joins us to wonder at how the Australian Office of Financial Management retains its sense of purpose. Professor Martin Watts joins us to debunk the debunking of the debunkers of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

Anne & Kev are joined by Professor Bill Mitchell, Australia's foremost economist for cutting through the spin and making sense of what our government is up to.Why do we say we haven't seen anything like this budget in the last five decades of neoliberal rule? And where were we completely under-whelmed? A truly incisive commentary on the 2021 Federal budget or "fiscal statement" announced by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.Featured music:Head in the Sand by Raging MobyTake Me Higher by Pressure Drop

Why do women do less well out of our economy? Didn't the feminist revolution of the 1970s deal with all that? We speak with two women about a significant moment in women's lives that happens to be a key moment in their financial lives - becoming a mother then deciding when and how to return to work. Fantastic conversations with Melinda (mother and careers counsellor), and Professor Guyonne Kalb (economist at the University of Melbourne).(With cameo appearances by economist Professor Barbara Pocock, and MMT organiser Rohan Grey.)Further reading:Here is an article by MMT advocate Jengis Osman, that explains in more depth, how the government was able to increase the childcare subsidy in 2020, and the impact this extra spending had on the economy: Why Universal Free Childcare is Possible.The video mentioned, featuring Dr. Andrea O'Reilly: "When My Kids were Young". 

Why are women feeling the pinch more than men in the covid-economy? How do attitudes towards women wend their way into a national budget? Are we squeezing a 2021 economy into a 1950s budget? That's a pretty uncomfortable fit.Anne & Kev discuss the momentum for change and the pre-figurative potentials of a music festival.(Featuring Professor Barbara Pocock and organiser Gabrielle Bond.)Sustainable Prosperity Action Group

Anne & Kev chat with Mischa Herman about what gets a sound engineer excited enough about macroeconomics to produce a 2-part animation on an Introduction to MMT (Modern Monetary Theory).We chat with Mischa about the basics of how an economy works, and reminisce about war bonds. If you ask us what the MCG has got to do with MMT, you might get more than you bargained for.Resources mentioned in the showIntroduction to MMT (Modern Monetary Theory)part 1https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX59aMG682AIntroduction to MMT (Modern Monetary Theory)part 2https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUp_kX64DJw&t=5sWill Australia ever run out of money? | The WeeklyJul 22, 2020Luke McGregorCowboy EconomistJ.T. HarveyAs mentioned, the script of the 2-part animation is based on the work of Bill Mitchell, Warren Mosler, Steven Hail, & The MMT Podcast.  

Zoltan Bexley walks Kev & Anne through the inflation controversy, and explains who are inflation's winners and losers. Holy cow, you can lose big! But isn't that why we want activists, who understand the distribution of resources? Enter Kristin from the Australian Unemployed Workers' Union (AUWU) who reveals how one bunch of Australians is ganging up on another bunch of Australians.Featuring Martin Watts (Professor of Economics), Rohan Grey (Associate Professor of Law), and Janet Yellen (U.S. Treasury Secretary).To delve further into the MMT perspective on inflation:Our friends Patricia Pino & Christian Reilly, over at The MMT Podcast, speak with MMT founder Warren Mosler and MMT scholar Dr Phil Armstrong about their recent paper: “Weimar Republic Hyperinflation through a Modern Monetary Theory Lens”. 

Kevin shares his thoughts on Australia Day, and we look at how covert racism sneaks in under cover of views about the economy. Pssst! Who is going to tell the PM there is no such thing as a "debt" that needs to be paid back when he spends on national necessities like Jobseeker and Jobkeeper?

The Australian federal government seems to be spending a lot of money to support the economy as we fall into a recession due to the pandemic lockdowns. Does it seem to you like not so much of that money is having a positive effect? Could it be that the Coalition Government are not great economic managers? Anne and Kev call upon the guidance of Andrew Chirgwin to navigate the black lagoon of current monetary policy where lives the Quantitative Easing creature. (Featuring MMT economist Dr. Steven Hail, and RBA Governor Philip Lowe.)

A tradie, an admin assistant, and a retired civil engineer walk into a recording session and give Kevin's Economic Theorum a burl.

What is Christmas without a bowlful of cherry-picked cherries? And what is a neoliberal understanding of unemployed Australians and cherries without cherry-picked facts? Tex gives us the facts from the front-line on cherry-picking. Anne and Kev cherry-pick their way through an eventful 2020 to come up with their own bowl of cherries.

Have you ever been unemployed, but wanted work? Know anyone looking for work and unable to find a job? You might think that's due to the pandemic, or some other misfortune. In fact, involuntarily unemployed are victims of the NAIRU: the Non-Accelerating Inflation Rate of Unemployment. Or is that the non-existent accelerating inflation rate of unemployment? With Dr. Victor Quirk leading the way, Anne & Kev are emboldened to face the invisible horror that is the NAIRU.

Anne & Kev discuss the historic and philosophical underpinnings of neoliberalism with housemate Pete.

Anne & Kev take stock of the recent spate of good news. We speak with Young Labor members Ben Dudman (Tasmania) & Savannah Benson (ACT) about how a job guarantee is gaining traction, with Tasmania leading the way! Dr. Victor Quirk (labour market sociologist) makes a brief appearance as we dig into the controversial details of a job guarantee!

In what world would a "path to recovery" from "a once-in-a-century shock" look like tax cuts for high income earners and wage subsidies to businesses? Economist Dr. Steven Hail helps Anne & Kev consider what really matters, as we chew over the Australian federal budget for 2020-2021, and reflect on the legacy of past Treasurer (1983-1991) and former Prime Minister (1991-1996), Paul Keating.Send feedback on this episode to radiommt@gmail.com.

Money! We use it all the time, but did you ever stop to wonder how it gets into the economy? Economist Dr. Steven Hail takes us on a journey through the amazing realm of money to its very source. And with the help of Marcus Champ, Anne & Kev take a look at bankers behaving badly.

Anne & Kevin talk with Ed Kuepper about the working life of a musician. Ed started his musical career as co-founder of early punk band The Saints, then formed experimental post-punk group the Laughing Clowns. After releasing over 50 albums his last venture came full circle forming post-pre-punk band The Aints!

Kevin & Anne take the vision of a job guarantee to remote Australia. With the help of our guests Dr. James Juniper, Dr. Francis Markham, and Professor Jon Altman, we uncover some history with a near cousin of the job guarantee - the CDEP. In contrast, we discuss with AUWU's Jez Heywood the damage done to lives when people are punished for being unemployed through current regimes known as jobactive and the CDP.

There's a lot of talk, but not enough government action, around the decimation of the arts and entertainment industry by the Covid-19 lockdowns. We speak with Shannon Ward, one of the many unsung heroes on the frontlines dealing with the devastation. And we air some awesome local music we guarantee you have never heard before this show!Send feedback on this episode to radiommt@gmail.com.

Don't worry, be happy – a conservative government is finally running a budget deficit, “as they should”. Still worried about government debt? With the help of our ghostbusting guests, Professor Martin Watts and Dr. James Juniper, Kevin & Anne wrestle the debt monster to the ground, and discover it has a strange taste in transport.Send feedback on this episode to radiommt@gmail.com.

Kevin and Anne talk with ALP federal representative Ged Kearney, who harkens back to the remarkable 1945 White Paper "Full Employment in Australia." The White Paper demonstrates policy makers knew back then that lack of jobs was caused by insufficient aggregate demand for labour, not because women and robots were taking them away. Now we are facing 25% labour underutilisation, where to from here?Send feedback on this episode to radiommt@gmail.com.

Ever had that kind of relationship where you either get parked or creamed? With guest, David O'Halloran, Kevin Gaynor & Anne delve into the nitty-gritties of employment “services”. We also consider the potential of a #JobGuarantee, and pause to lament the departure of Comrade Morrison.Send feedback on this episode to radiommt@gmail.com.

Kevin & Anne discover the secret ingredients to a well-managed economy are not so different from what make a great pasta. Meanwhile, our guest George Pantelopoulos helps us work through some of our collective trauma around fixed exchange rates.  Send feedback on this episode to radiommt@gmail.com.

What is the connection between federal government spending, the national “debt,” and government bonds? Our guest, Emeritus Professor of Economics, Martin Watts sorts out that tangle, and saves Kevin's future grandchildren from debt enslavement. Send feedback on this episode to radiommt@gmail.com.

What is it about a job guarantee that could rock your world and macro-economics? We speak with the economist who came up with the idea of a job guarantee in the midst of the great upheavals of the 1970s, Professor Bill Mitchell. (Drawing by Jolyon Gray.) Send feedback on this episode to radiommt@gmail.com.