"The Week on Wednesday" with Van Badham & Ben Davison

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    

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.

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.

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

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 

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.

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   

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   

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.

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... 

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.

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.

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!  

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.  

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.

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 

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   

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   

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

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!

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.

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 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

Van Badham and Ben Davison look at how actors, screen writers and even NRL players are getting organised because they need the power of standing together to get a fair deal.  Remember to join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow With the NO campaign in full swing the Murdoch Empire has clearly identified its target market.  Van and Ben discuss why a Royal Commission into the influence of the Murdoch Empire is a good idea, why it is NOT a "news" source and present examples of it pushing a narrative that undermines truth while backing in racists. Inflation continues to fall despite the neo-liberals saying we would need to see hundreds of thousands of people made unemployed for it to happen.  Ben and Van discuss how the high priests of monetary policy twist every outcome to support their ideology and why it is Labor's macro-economic management and the community demanding an end to profiteering that is bringing inflation down WITHOUT scrapping thousands of jobs. With unemployment at 3.5% and millions of people trapped in casual employment but working the same hours every week for less money, the union movement has thrown its support behind the Labor Government's plan to end forced casualisation.  Ben and Van discuss what this means, how it will empower workers and dispel the doomsayers from the Noalition. The good news is about trees being planted! We have even more supporters and Van reads out the names of all our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters.  If you want episodes emailed to you, along with links and more information, go to www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday  Plus we have an announcement about a special new series!

Van Badham and Ben Davison congratulate the aged care workers who, by standing together in union, are starting to see their pay increases flow from this week and discuss how there is a union for everyone whether you're in aged care, ice cream making, acting or professional sport. Join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow Dan Andrews has said no to the Commonwealth Games cost blow out so Van and Ben explore the reaction, what it means for the legacy infrastructure and just why billionaire and corporate owned media is SO upset. The official referendum "information" pamphlets have been published and it is already clear that the NO campaign is relying on misinformation, misrepresentation and Americanised tactics.  Van and Ben discuss why Albo standing up to 2GB's Ben Fordham and people speaking out against the misinformation is vital for our democracy. Jason Clare, Commonwealth Education Minister, gave a National Press Club speech today so Ben and Van take a look at the reality of public education in Australia.  With NINETY EIGHT PERCENT (98%) of public schools underfunded our hosts explore what is happening in education in Australia. The good news is about plastics! Our supporters continue to help us grow which is why we give our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters personalised shoutouts. You can join them by visiting www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday 

Van Badham and Ben Davison start this special Thursday edition by tearing apart the ridiculous wage cutting ideologies of Jeff Kennet and exploring why a man who's devoted his life to cutting wages wanting to cut wages isn't news but it is bad for productivity, women and workers in general.  Which is why unions are campaigning for more flexibility to work from home and you can join them at australianunions.org.au/wow The Guardian has exposed that the NO campaign has been importing American MAGA campaign tactics for the referendum with evidence that two companies in particular are making more than a dollar from dividing Australia with racist, sexist and classist hatred. The Robodebt Royal Commission handed down its report six days ago so Van and Ben explore how the Liberals have responded by denying any wrong doing, making accusations against Labor and doing everything they can to undermine their own chances in the Fadden by-election this Saturday. Ben and Van also contrast the failures of Dutton as defence and home affairs minister against the work Albo is doing to defend democracy at the NATO summit while also improving our trade relations.  Van and Ben make clear that there is no "left wing" way to support Putin's gangster state and recall some of their own experiences in the nuclear armed kleptocracy.  The good news is that solar glass is a thing and windows that make electricity are on their way! As always we give shout outs to our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who get extra content from www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday and help us grow the audience. 

Ben Davison spends some time looking at the Robodebt Royal Commission report, the scathing rebuke of the Morrison government, the potential crimes of former ministers and the culture of cooperation between corporate and billionaire owned media and the Coalition of treating people in need as less than human. Ben explains why Robodebt was bad policy, how we avoid such policies in the future and why unions calling for a more secure public sector workforce are part of the solution. Join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow The Health Services Union (HSU) in NSW has won a pay rise of up to 8.5% for its lowest paid members and Ben explains how this union has tackled the issue of low paid "essential workers" and won. The Commonwealth has also announced changes to teacher education over the next two years so Ben has a look at why that's happened, why we need to fix the Morrison era funding set ups and what impact it has on productivity, If you'd like to get the Week on Wednesday emailed to you everyweek and help us reach ever more people you can become a supporter at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday

Van Badham and Ben Davison dive into the explosion of bots, trolls and online hate that is being targeted at YES campaigners and how Pauline Hanson is using her vile and inexcusable comments about Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi to eliminate protections against discrimination and open the flood gates on hate speech. The farm workers we reported on last episode won their strike and you can win better pay and conditions by joining your union at australianunions.org.au/wow Ben and Van look at why a budget surplus now is a good thing, why a bigger surplus has helped stop interest rises and the struggle that is currently happening in the way the Australian economy works.  And who it actually works to help. The National Anti-Corruption Commission has started and it has a veritable smorgasbord of options for its first investigations.  Ben and Van look at the current controversy surrounding former LNP Minister Stuart Robert given the by-election in his former seat, Fadden, is less 10 days away. Plus there is good news about the mass production of electric vehicle batteries! And as always Van gives a shout-out to our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who have gone to www.buymeacoffee.com/wow to help us grow our audience.  Don't forget from there you can send us your questions and sign up to get episodes emailed to you directly.

Ben Davison, fresh from a Yes campaign launch event, talks about why he's voting YES at the referendum and how you can get involved through yes23.com.au or through your union at australianunions.org.au/wow to join and then follow the links. ICAC has found Gladys Berejiklian engaged in serious corrupt conduct.  Ben discusses why the bosses pamphlet was so very wrong about Glady's "saving Australia" and why corruption has no place in our democracy. The NDIS is turning 10 and the former minister under Morrison decided to throw some grenades at the people trying to navigate the system and those trying to stamp out sham contracting, differential price gauging and multinational rorters.  Ben talks about the need for reform but that the Liberals, like the Greens on housing, are all politics and zero policy. Ben explores the raft of changes Labor has starting in the economy from July 1 and why a larger budget surplus is good news for reducing inflation, future investments in education and a motivation for companies to pull their finger out and invest in workers and equipment. You can help us grow our audience by liking, sharing, commenting and becoming a supporter at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday

Van Badham and Ben Davison look at the context of the first farm strike in decades as United Workers Union member's stand firm against employer threats and take action for a decent pay rise, same job, same pay rules and the right to pick salads for Coles and Aldi under decent conditions. There's a union for everyone and if you've got a boss you should be a member of your union, join at australianunions.org.au/wow Van and Ben look at the latest in delusional thinking from the Greens political party on housing and their desire to mimic the failed policies of San Francisco, which has among the worst homelessness issue of any wealthy western city and rents almost EIGHTY PERCENT HIGHER than SYDNEY! Good economic news today saw inflation fall.  Ben and Van briefly discuss what this means and why Labor's intersectional economic policies are helping tame inflation after a decade of Morrisonism. A clayton's coup is the coup you have when you don't have a coup because your country is a gangster state not a nation state.  Van and Ben explore what happened and a little bit about why Putin is still President but no one is really sure of what. And the good news is about record wind energy production in Victoria driving prices DOWN! Van gives a shoutout to our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters, who you can join at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday to get episodes emailed to you and extra content!

Ben Davison takes a look at the big stories coming out of Russia, the Musk/Zuckerberg cage match and the Oceangate tragedy and draws together the threads of how these sagas, created and caused by billionaires, usually involve the suffering and or exploitation of working people. And that maybe that's why there's a level of skepticism towards them. Ben also discusses the passing of the referendum bill, the decision by Lidia Thorpe to support the NO case and breaks down the three different, equally bad, arguments for voting NO.  Remembering that a referendum is a binary choice and that only a YES vote moves reconciliation forward. Julie Collins, Minister for Housing, was on Insiders and she tore apart the Greens political party's position on housing.  Revealing that the delay to the Housing Affordability Future Fund also delayed $200,000,000 in repairs and maintenance on regional and remote Indigenous housing, that rent freezes REDUCE supply of housing and that the Commonwealth is working with the states but cannot legally direct them. Ben also answers a listeners question about trans rights and responds to a listener and MUA member from Sydney Ferries.  Remember to join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow and send us your questions by email or on our supporter site www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday  

Van Badham and Ben Davison explore the broken philosophy of The RBA that denies profiteering is a problem until everyone else has said it is, continues to believe in a wage-price spiral that doesn't exist and both simultaneously says people should get more work but we need less people employed.   Of course the union movement was among the first to point out the fallacies of the RBA's ideology and continues to win better pay and conditions so join at australianunions.org.au/wow Ben and Van also examine how Japan's monetary policy is structured and the outcomes that can be achieved when the high priests of Milton Friedman are no longer in charge. The Greens have delayed the Housing Affordability Future Fund until at least October.  Ben and Van look at the arguments, break down the math and try to get a better understanding whether it is politicking or ignorance that is driving The Greens to upend millions of dollars in social housing funding. The referendum legislation has passed parliament meaning that the government must call a referendum within six months.  Van and Ben discuss the campaign so far, the work being done for a big national YES day on July 2nd and offer solidarity to those being attacked by the billionaire and corporate owned media for daring to have a Voice. The good news is that despite the misinformation and vast corporate media NO machine the YES vote is ahead.  Ben and Van look at some polling, some analysis and give their views. All this is made possible through the contributions of supporters.  You can become a supporter at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday and while you're there send us a question for Ben to answer on the Weekend Wrap this Sunday. 

Ben Davison takes a look at the horrendous week in federal parliament, the ABC's continued use of billionaire funded journalists on Insiders, the grim reality that women's safety in the workplace is a question of solidarity whether that's in parliament or in a factory. The Liberal's "flood the zone" strategy failed and has exposed, on Insiders, that the Coalition was aware they had a Senator who was subject to sexual misconduct allegations. Remember that, thanks to unions, every workplace MUST proactively protect you against sexual harassment and assault.  Join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow PM Albanese announced a $2,000,000,000 increase to an existing $5.5Billion housing program which the Greens have both claimed credit for and said is not enough.  Ben discusses what's really happening with the various housing policies and programs and why the Housing Affordability Future Fund should pass the Senate this week. Plus Ben answers listener questions on The Reserve Bank losing billions of dollars, what tools should the RBA have to control inflation, whether or not inflation is happening because companies are just trying to make up losses from the pandemic and what "increasing productivity" really means vs what the media and bosses try to make it mean.  Send your questions and we will try to answer them next week! Don't forget you can help grow the podcast by becoming a supporter at www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday

Van Badham and Ben Davison look at what's happening in Canberra, how Brittany Higgins is again being targeted, why the Liberal's are "flooding the zone" and what it has to do with recent polls that show Labor is the most trusted party on economic management. Warning there is some discussion of violence and assault. Van and Ben discuss the recent data showing CEO's getting 15% pay rises while their lobby groups make ads, that are definitely classist and possibly racist, to argue against workers getting pay rises. The boss will always give himself a pay rise but your pay rises come from standing together in union, so join at australianunions.org.au/wow If you think that Dutton and the Murdoch media's interest in who knew what/when/about what did or didn't happen in Linda Reynolds' office is unrelated to the economic reforms that Labor and the union movement are trying to achieve then listen closely as Van and Ben explain the connection. The good news is that Tanya Plibersek and the state environment ministers are taking action on plastic waste. Van also gives a shout out to all our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who have gone to www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday to help us grow the audience and spread the message.

Van Badham and Ben Davison discuss the latest of Phil Lowe's interest rate rises and the Reserve Bank's total ideological capture.  We breakdown why they are happening, how ideological obsession is outweighing economic reality and wonder if Phil Lowe's own crisis about his position may be part of the reason that he gives wildly contradictory statements about the economy one day to the next. The union movement has achieved reforms to bargaining laws which will give workers more power to negotiate better wages and conditions.  To make sure you're getting what you're worth in the workplace join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow Van and Ben also look at yet another Morrison era scandal that has been exposed.  This time $2,000,000,000 of tax payer money was funnelled to projects which ranged from barely suitable to an organisation practicing exorcisms and conversion therapy.  An organisation that Morrison said had "completely, completely captured" his heart.  And our wallets, apparently. Western Australia has a new Premier so Ben and Van take a quick look at Roger Cook and his new cabinet, while Van tells an embarrassing story about Ben. The good news is about renewable energy transmission. And we shout out to our supporters who've gone to www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday and become part of our Cadre and Extend the Reach crew. Also we will be starting a NEW SEGMENT on The Weekend Wrap from Sunday the 18th of June.  You'll have to listen for the details of how you can be part of the show!

Ben Davison gets under the hood of the minimum wage decision, the cuts the bosses wanted and how millions of Australian's will be better off as a result of the work of the Australian Union movement.  If you're not already a member join now at australianunions.org.au/wow because unions have won an 8.6% increase in the minimum wage, a 5.75% in award wages and unionised workers get paid an average of 26% more! The RBA governor said that we need more people to live in each "dwelling" during his senate estimates appearance and Ben breaks down why that's such a gaffe and how The Greens Party spokesperson against Labor's housing policy used his appearance on Insiders today to effectively double down on the conditions that lead economists to the idea that the housing crisis won't be solved with more housing anytime soon. Ben Roberts Smith lost his defamation trial this week.  Ben explores what the trial was about, what it means Ben Roberts Smith probably did, why it impacts our view of the defence force and how this demonstrates that billionaire and corporate owned media fuels, feeds and festers toxicity for its own purposes.   

Van Badham and Ben Davison are BACK and the struggle continues! Visy, Australia's largest private company, is still refusing to make a decent offer to workers after 20 weeks of action and bosses in the university sector are strategising together to cut pay and conditions while bosses unions are calling for cuts to the minimum wage and the right to keep exploiting sham contracting and labour hire loopholes. Van and Ben take a look at how sham contracting in the gig economy, labour hire across multiple industries and forced casualisation has undermined wages and conditions.  Ben and Van look at how workers, in union, are campaigning for same job, same pay laws, rights for platform based workers in the NDIS, aged care and transport sectors as well as an end to the loopholes that allow BHP to own a labour hire company it then uses to engage workers in their mines to do the same work but for LESS pay.  You can stand up for your job and your wages by joining your union at australianunions.org.au/wow  Ben hits a classic rant about the greedflation spiral, Phil Lowe's high priests of Monetary Policy and why it is time to stop listening to incompetent Australian executives and start believing our own eyes when it comes to economics.  The Albanese Labor government wants to see more Australian content on Australian screens with proposed laws to make sure streaming services invest here, where they are making their profits.  Van talks about why Aussie stories on Aussie screens is so important. Plus The Voice is a step closer, despite the misinformation campaigns online. And good news from one of our staunch supporters about the CSIRO and Hydrogen! Van shouts out to our Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters who have gone to www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday and signed up to help grow the audience and get every episode delivered to their inbox along with extra content.

Ben admits he couldn't bring himself to watch Insiders as he gives a scathing critique of the Murdoch infiltration of the ABC.  On a week where Stan Grant was hounded out of QandA by Murdoch's dogs, the Uluru statement from the Heart had its anniversary and The Australian admitted to doctoring a letter to the editor about Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson there was an Australian journalist on the Insiders panel.  Who didn't talk about ANY of those issues. Lidia Thorpe continues to not understand how a referendum works by no claiming she'll abstain from the binary YES or NO vote on the Voice. Liberals in the senate used their time to continue to platform ideas from Steve Bannon, anti-vaxers, the nuclear lobby and far right "fathers" groups while wasting time on the fashion choices of public servants.  In NSW they chose between the loser of Gilmore and the loser of Parramatta to fill a casual senate vacancy.  The loser of Parramatta was chosen. Meanwhile in the real world more Australian's are trapped in sham contracting and its costing thousands of dollars per worker per year and millions in retirement.  Australian Unions and The Centre for Future Work have research that shows in the NDIS, Aged Care and transport platforms are being used to make people into sham contractors but that it doesn't have to be that way.  join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow to find out how to protect your employment conditions. And we had Public Education Day this week with Ben reflecting on why so many of us are #ProudToBePublic.  You can have your say on the importance of giving our schools the resources they need at https://www.education.gov.au/review-inform-better-and-fairer-education-system/consultations/review-inform-better-and-fairer-education-system-consultation  

Ben Davison looks at the first 12 months of the Albanese Labor government and some of the big changes ranging from the National Anti-Corruption Commission and Robo-debt royal commission to improvements in job security and wages to NDIS reforms and genuine action on climate change.  The first year of Labor at a national level has achieved a lot. The union movement has had successes on wages, women's participation in the workforce, job security, the energy transition authority and improvements to the social wage.  join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow Ben also takes a look at why media is obsessed with the negatives.  The Voice is a classic example where two polls released in the same week get very different treatment by the media.  Ben explains how this empowers the fringe elements and the impact that has on people, such as Stan Grant's announcement, and our political system. The Liberal's in Victoria continue to want a party leader that will embrace hatred and defend Nazism with the state conference in Bendigo marred by walkouts, booing and cries of "shame" as Menzian Liberal leader John Pesutto took the stage. Ben asks the question, if we want more progress on education, healthcare, NDIS, tax reform and climate change do we really think the Liberals will deliver it better than Labor? There's no Week on Wednesday this week but you can catch up on old episodes and extra links via our supporter page www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday

Van Badham and Ben Davison take a closer look at Labor's proposed housing fund, why the Green opposition doesn't stack up and why the Dutton position remains the worst of all possible outcomes. With debate still raging about "the best" housing policies Labor's policy achieves some core outcomes.  More homes, a mechanism that Dutton can't easily scrap and an acknowledgement of the physical limitation imposed by supply chains and the availability of skilled workers. The Green "Build all the homes now, just not in our backyard" policy lacks the pre-requisite of being based in reality. Today is IDAHOBIT and Van and Ben discuss how communities have done the work to make progress on LGBTQIA+ rights and the difference between changes that need symbolic or small resource shifts but large cultural shifts and issues that need large scale resource reallocation. The union movement campaigned for and won protections for trans, intersex and gender diverse workers in the Fairwork Act, has helped raise wages by the largest amount since 2013 and is currently campaigning for a 7% minimum wage increase.  You can join these campaigns at australianunions.org.au/wow Van and Ben discuss how the bosses lobby continues to fight against wage increases and even denies the role of profits in raising inflation.  The good news is about a new national park the size of Bali in Western Australia and we acknowledge our supporters who have gone to www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday to make a contribution towards growing the podcast.

Ben Davison takes apart Insiders for the lack of insight, the lack of economic understanding and the soft rehabilitation job on Peter Dutton. The budget this week was a step change towards Keynesian economic frameworks that support employment, wages growth and a social wage that keeps inflation under control and provides opportunity for people. The Insiders analysis and questions of Jim Chalmers showed a lack of understanding, an entrenchment in outdated Morrison-era politics and a commitment to supporting Dutton that was shocking to witness. Dutton actively opposes wage increases and more job security, even for our lowest paid, for women and for jobseekers. Australian Unions have been campaigning for improvements in wages and working conditions for all, particularly women, and you can join at australianunions.org.au/wow As the Liberals implode in Victoria and Tasmania Ben looks at the very different reasons why both they and the Greens are opposing more homes for working people. The question is asked will they push it to a double dissolution or will we get to see another budget with more investment in education and the next stages of Labor's Keynesian economic model? Happy Mothers day!

Van Badham and Ben Davison take a deep dive on the ideological frameworks that have crafted the first Commonwealth budget surplus in 15 years while also delivering increases to wages, Jobseeker, parenting payments, rent assistance and massive investments in health, Medicare and aged care. The budget doesn't deliver everything everyone wants and Ben and Van explain how and why some of the decisions, both popular and unpopular, have their roots in Keynesian economics which, after 40 years of neoliberalism, is not something everyone instantly recognises. The union movement has made some big wins in this budget for jobs, wages, energy transition, TAFE and much more.  You can join your union at australianunions.org.au/wow There is also great news for the environment with the establishment of an Environmental Protection Agency and big investments in our national parks and waterways.  Plus real commitments to the arts, the Voice, breaking the artificial "caps" imposed under Morrisonism and beginning to rebuild our public services, needs based education and NDIS. As always we give shout outs to our amazing Cadre and Extend the Reach supporters from www.buymeacoffee.com/WeekOnWednesday