Defence: too much is never enough

For all the talk of defence spending in the election campaign, much of what Australians hold dear is being left behind.


On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the Coalition’s defence spending announcement, why Australia needs bravery from policymakers, and the latest debate between Jim Chalmers and Angus Taylor.


This discussion was recorded on Thursday 24 April 2025 and things may have changed since recording.


Follow all the action from the federal election on our new politics live blog, Australia Institute Live (https://live.australiainstitute.org.au/) with Amy Remeikis.


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Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute and Centre for Future Work // @grogsgamut (https://bsky.app/profile/grogsgamut.b...)


Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek (https://bsky.app/profile/elinorjohnst...)


Show notes:


‘Australia needs more than hollow words about a fair go – we need brave policy-makers’ (https://www.theguardian.com/news/grog...) by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (April 2025)


‘The Coalition’s defence plans are a kneejerk, impossible dream when what we need is achievable policy’ (https://www.theguardian.com/commentis...) by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (April 2025)


The national service scheme, 1964-72 (https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyc...) , Australian War Memorial


Protect Murujuga Rock Art: Sign the petition (https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/...) , the Australia Institute


End salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour—protect the skate (https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/...) , the Australia Institute


Gas: The Facts (https://australiainstitute.org.au/ini...) , the Australia Institute


Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions


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