About this episode

The episode discusses Australia's fossil fuel subsidies, their economic impact, and related geopolitical issues.

You’re meant to tax things you want less of and subsidise things you want more of – yet Australian governments are handing out $16.3 billion in fossil fuel subsidies this financial year. Elinor is back but Greg is away, so Matt Grudnoff jumps in to talk about Australia’s absurd fossil fuel subsidies, fuel security in the wake of the US-Israel war on Iran, and why the AI bubble will probably burst, even if the technology turns out to be a win overall. This discussion was recorded on Thursday 12 March 2026. What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo , is available now for just $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping. You can also subscribe to the Vantage Point series to get four essays a year on some of the most pressing issues facing Australia and the world. Host: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute //  @mattgrudnoff H ost:  Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek Show notes: Australian fossil fuel subsidies growing faster than NDIS, hitting $16.3 billion in 2025-26 , the Australia Institute (March 2026) New Analysis: Mid-East…

People in this episode

Host: Matt Grudnoff

Topics covered

• fossil fuel subsidies
• fuel security
• AI technology
• Australian economy
• government policy

Keywords

• fossil fuel subsidies
• Australia
• economy
• AI bubble
• fuel security
• government spending

Sponsors

Vantage Point

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: the Australia Institute, NDIS, Vantage Point

Products: What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty

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• It’s time to tax gas properly · April 2, 2026 · 31 min
• Fuel price gouging is…legal?! · March 26, 2026 · 28 min
• Double pain for Australians as interest rate and oil price hikes bite · March 19, 2026 · 30 min

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