Why can the government spend money on weapons but not welfare?

04/27/23 • 18 min

2 Listeners

This week, the way the government chooses to spend its money was put into sharp focus.

On Monday, it announced a bold new plan for military spending, but soon after, it found itself besieged by calls to raise the rate of JobSeeker – for Australians struggling with poverty.

So, why can we afford to spend money on one, but not the other? And is it a question that voters will start asking?

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Chris Wallace on the question that is turning up the heat on Anthony Albanese ahead of the budget.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Chris Wallace.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the way the government chooses to spend its money was put into sharp focus.

On Monday, it announced a bold new plan for military spending, but soon after, it found itself besieged by calls to raise the rate of JobSeeker – for Australians struggling with poverty.

So, why can we afford to spend money on one, but not the other? And is it a question that voters will start asking?

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Chris Wallace on the question that is turning up the heat on Anthony Albanese ahead of the budget.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Chris Wallace.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Previous Episode

Just how ‘elite’ are the people behind the Voice?

Criticism of the Voice to Parliament from the conservative side of politics has ratcheted up ever since Peter Dutton’s decision to oppose it.

The main accusations are: the proposal for the Voice is coming from elites and not ‘regular’ Indigenous Australians, and it won’t achieve practical change.

Today, union organiser and member of the referendum working group, Thomas Mayo, on the loudest voices against the Voice.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram

Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Thomas Mayo.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next Episode

How to fix the budget to lift people out of poverty

‘We don’t have enough money.’

That’s what governments always say this time of year. But the case is being made for the poorest and most disadvantaged among us to get more support in the upcoming budget.

But is it true? And if it is, are there ways to repair the budget that would leave enough money to help raise people out of poverty?

Today, economist and CEO of the Grattan Institute, Danielle Wood, on how we can afford to raise the rate, and more ways to fix the budget.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram

Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Danielle Wood.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.