What's the Big Idea?
What's the Big Idea?
Podcast Description
There is no shortage of solutions for the biggest problems Australia faces — only a shortage of bravery to implement them. Host Paul Barclay asks contributors to Australia Institute Press' first book about their big picture thinking on how we can change Australia for the better.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Explores themes of political courage, climate change, economic myths, and inequality, with episodes discussing topics such as environmental policies and child poverty eradication, emphasizing actionable insights to foster national progress.
There is no shortage of solutions for the biggest problems Australia faces — only a shortage of bravery to implement them. Host Paul Barclay asks contributors to Australia Institute Press’ first book about their big picture thinking on how we can change Australia for the better.
When it comes to solving the biggest national problems, a bit of courage leaves political caution for dead. Now’s not the time for politeness.
On this episode, Paul Barclay talks with the Australia Institute’s climate and energy research director, Polly Hemming. There’s no chance of solving Australia’s biggest challenges—inequality and poverty, environmental destruction, climate change and political disillusionment—if leaders aren’t willing to make big decisions and, as Hemming puts it, ‘stop doing bad stuff’.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, and things may have changed since the recording.
Order What’s the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Polly Hemming, Director of Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Paul Barclay, Walkley Award winning journalist and broadcaster // @PaulBarclay
Show notes
Offsetting Us Up To Fail: The myths of ‘nature markets’ explained by Richard Denniss and Polly Hemming, the Australia Institute (November 2022)
Ending child poverty in Australia by Kristen Scicluna, Jack Thrower, and Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (June 2024)
Pay up: Australians say it’s time big polluters paid for the damage they do to the environment, the Australia Institute (November 2024)
Securing transparency and diversity in political finance by Bill Browne and Benjamin Walters, the Australia Institute (November 2023)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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