
What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss
What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss cuts through the spin to explain the political and economic decisions shaping the lives of everyday Australians. Richard connects the dots between policy and politics with sharp analysis. By getting straight to the point, Richard helps listeners understand how democracy works and why it matters. Presented by the Australia Institute.
Episodes

What's the point of the Productivity Commission?
The Productivity Commission is a government-funded economic think tank that’s meant to give independent advice about how to make the Australian economy work better. On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses whether it is fit for purpose. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute //@richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang, Ma

What’s the point of the crossbench?
On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains how the crossbench works and the politics of deal-making in federal parliament. This episode was recorded on Friday 21 August. More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-editio

What’s the point of gambling reform?
On this episode of What's the Point?, Richard Denniss explains the lack of strong gambling reform, and why gambling losses continue to climb despite widespread calls for change. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang Climate Integrity Summit 2026 tickets. Order More Fool

What’s the point of EVs?
On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains why electric vehicles have surged in popularity, and why EVs should play a central role in energy security. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang Climate Integrity Summit 2026 ticke

What's the point of the Reserve Bank of Australia?
On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains the purpose of the Reserve Bank of Australia and whether it's fulfilling that role. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang Climate Integrity Summit 2026 tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/sydney-clim

What’s the point of talking about nuclear energy?
On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss explains the “fake fight” over nuclear power in Australia and how the gas industry benefits from the nuclear distraction. This episode was recorded on Friday 17 July. Pre-order More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Use the code &l

What's the point of offsets?
On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses how the Federal Government’s new carbon credits method for ‘protecting’ native forests will allow fossil fuel companies to greenwash their climate pollution and expand coal and gas production. This episode was recorded on Friday 10 July. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute

What's the point of a gas exports tax?
On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses how global gas industry has pulled off the greatest con in Australia’s history, and why Australians are living with the consequences. He spells out the simple steps we need to take to fix it. This episode was recorded on Friday 10 July.Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richardde

What’s the point of housing reform?
On the second episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses the government’s long-overdue changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax and the ongoing media hysteria around Australia’s housing market. This episode was recorded on Friday 3 July. Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss Host: Anna Chang,

What’s the Point of One Nation?
On the first episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses the reasons behind One Nation grabbing the headlines, why it is highly unlikely Pauline Hanson will be Prime Minister after the next election and what the current Prime Minister can do to turn things around for Labor. Host: Dr Richard Denniss, Co-CEO, The Australia InstituteSupport What's the Point? & the research powerful

Introducing What's the Point? with Richard Denniss
Episode 1 coming on June 29! What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss cuts through the spin to explain the political and economic decisions shaping the lives of everyday Australians. Richard connects the dots between policy and politics with sharp analysis. By getting straight to the point, Richard helps listeners understand how democracy works and why it matters. Presented by the Australia
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